title: Theoretical models of parental HIV disclosure: a critical review.
abstract: This study critically examined three major theoretical models related to parental HIV disclosure (i.e., the Four-Phase Model [FPM], the Disclosure Decision Making Model [DDMM], and the Disclosure Process Model [DPM]), and the existing studies that could provide empirical support to these models or their components. For each model, we briefly reviewed its theoretical background, described its components and/or mechanisms, and discussed its strengths and limitations. The existing empirical studies supported most theoretical components in these models. However, hypotheses related to the mechanisms proposed in the models have not yet tested due to a lack of empirical evidence. This study also synthesized alternative theoretical perspectives and new issues in disclosure research and clinical practice that may challenge the existing models. The current study underscores the importance of including components related to social and cultural contexts in theoretical frameworks, and calls for more adequately designed empirical studies in order to test and refine existing theories and to develop new ones.
authors.affiliation: Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Prevention Research Center, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI , USA. sqiao@med.wayne.edu
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qiao
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Bonita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D014342:Truth Disclosure