Abstract
The loss of a loved one is a potent and frequent life stressor for those infected with HIV and those at risk for infection. Early in the epidemic, bereavement in homosexual men was associated with increased distress in a dose-response relationship with the number of losses. More recent research suggests that this is not the case, though a relationship with increased grief level and with perceived self-threat is still recognized. A change in the form of bereavement response to a reaction resembling chronic, post-traumatic distress is also possible. Future research wing a stressor-support-coping model is advocated to investigate this possibility. Studies on the effect of bereavement should be conducted with other HIV infected and at-risk groups. Brief, supportive, group psychotherapy for recent loss and total loss burden due to HIV/AIDS is advocated to prevent associated psychological morbidity. The effects of such interventions on immune measures and the clinical progression of HIV disease also merits investigation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 201-216 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | International Review of Psychiatry |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health