Trajectories of posttraumatic growth among people living with HIV: a grounded theory-based qualitative analysis

HIV infection could be regarded as a trauma that causes multidimensional distress experiences among people living with HIV. While people living with HIV may also experience positive changes which can lead to post-traumatic growth in the process of struggling with trauma. Current research has neglected the personal experience of people living with HIV, and there is a lack of qualitative research that further explores the dynamic post-traumatic growth trajectory. This study aims to explore and analyze the post-traumatic growth trajectory among people living with HIV to provide a reference for future targeted interventions.

A programmed grounded theory-based qualitative study was conducted. Data were gathered using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 30 people living with HIV in southwest China from April 2024 to May 2024, which were then analyzed and integrated using grounded theory.

30 interviewees were between 27 and 59 years old, 18 males and 12 females, and their education levels were mainly primary school or illiterate. Trajectories of post-traumatic growth among people living with HIV are viewed as the core category and consist of four phases, which are initial (trauma and stress), support (contemplation and help-seeking), internalization (acceptance and change), and growth (hope and future).

The post-traumatic growth trajectory among people living with HIV is a complex and dynamic process. Medical staff should dynamically evaluate post-traumatic growth developmental phases and provide individualized psychological interventions to facilitate transitions and transformations between phases and ultimately achieving self-growth.