Identifying helpful and unhelpful behaviours of loved ones: the PWA's perspective

Twenty-five gay men with AIDS were interviewed about their social support networks and asked to describe specific interpersonal exchanges with network members which they perceived to be helpful and unhelpful. Content-analysis of responses revealed 12 main categories of helpful behaviours (providing encouragement, companionship, information, practical assistance, material aid, philosophical perspective, support for other network members, expressing concern, sharing feelings, acting as role model, allowing reciprocity, interacting naturally) and 11 categories of unhelpful behaviours (pessimism, physical avoidance, criticizing one's response to AIDS or medical treatment, making unreasonable demands, patronizing attitude, rude comments, insincerity, breaking confidentiality, acting judgmental or ashamed). The perceived helpfulness of particular behaviours varied depending on which network member performed them and the timing of the support attempt. Implications for increasing the effectiveness of support attempts by network members are discussed.