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Disclosure of HIV seropositivity.
A Lévy1, F Laska, A Abelhauser
1University of Paris XI, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|November 27, 1999
Summary
Most people living with HIV disclose their status, not for social reasons, but to relieve personal tension. Silence may indicate difficulty adapting to the illness and social isolation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Science
Background:
- Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive status is a significant personal decision.
- Coping mechanisms and individual experiences influence the choice to disclose or conceal HIV status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the decision-making process of HIV-positive patients regarding disclosure.
- To investigate the subjective and social consequences of disclosing or concealing HIV status.
- To understand the psychological underpinnings of disclosure and silence in individuals living with HIV.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted with 174 patients diagnosed with HIV.
- Data collection focused on the decision to disclose or conceal HIV status and its outcomes.
- Patient demographics, including gender, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Only 3.5% of participants remained silent about their HIV status.
- The majority of individuals disclosed their status, irrespective of infection source or advice.
- Disclosure did not consistently provide the anticipated relief.
- Silence was linked to maladaptation and social self-exclusion.
Conclusions:
- HIV status disclosure is often a compulsive act for tension release, not solely social responsibility or trust.
- Individuals who conceal their HIV status may require additional support due to adaptation difficulties.
- Silence can signify a struggle with illness acceptance and social integration.