Optimism, well-being, and perceived stigma in individuals living with HIV.
Given the significant psychological challenges posed by HIV-related stigma for individuals living with HIV, investigating psychological resource factors for coping with HIV-related stigma is important. Optimism, which refers to generalized expectations regarding favorable outcomes, has been associated with enhanced psychological adaptation to health conditions, including HIV. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated associations among optimism, psychological well-being, and HIV stigma in a sample of 116 adults living with HIV and seeking mental health services. Consistent with study hypotheses, optimism was positively associated with psychological well-being, and psychological well-being was negatively associated with HIV-related stigma. Moreover, results of a full structural equation model suggested a mediation pattern such that as optimism increases, psychological well-being increases, and perceived HIV-related stigma decreases. The implications of these findings for clinical interventions and future research are discussed.
a Atlanta VA Medical Center , Decatur , GA , USA.
Rachel J
RJ
Ammirati
Dorian A
DA
Lamis
Peter E
PE
Campos
Eugene W
EW
Farber
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D000067656:Optimism; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
HIV stigma; coping; optimism; psychological adaptation; psychological resources; well-being