Bearing witness to suffering in AIDS: constructing meaning from loss

The phenomenon of AIDS volunteerism has been described as an act of bearing witness. It has been suggested that bearing witness assists individuals affected by the suffering in HIV/AIDS to heal. The purpose of this research was to explore AIDS volunteerism as a potentially healing phenomenon. Using grounded theory methodology, open-ended interviews were conducted with 17 participants over a 7-month period of time. The constant comparative method was used for data analysis. A substantive theory was generated that identified the basic sociological process as constructing meaning from loss and described the transformative psychosocial and spiritual healing process individuals undergo as they volunteer. Constructing meaning from loss is described within the following three major stages: (a) experiencing suffering, (b) containing suffering, and (c) transforming suffering. Characteristics within each stage are described. Suffering and complex loss are major issues in HIV/AIDS. Interventions are recommended for nurses who care for those affected by HIV disease.