DEALING WITH A LIFE-THREATENING DIAGNOSIS - THE EXPERIENCE OF PEOPLE WITH THE HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Different individuals demonstrate a variety of responses on learning t hat they have tested positive to the presence of antibodies to HIV. Th ese responses range from rapid acceptance by some people, to a strong and persistent negative reaction in others. This paper reports a preli minary attempt to examine the possible nature and origin of coping res ponses. Twenty-three volunteer participants responding to newspaper ad vertisements were asked to complete two questionnaires designed for th is study-one concerning their psychological state and one enquiring ab out their physical health. Following this a sample of high scorers (n = 5) and a sample of low scorers (n = 5) were interviewed in depth. Th e results indicate that coping strategies may be influenced by: the ti me since diagnosis; the perceived physical health of the individual; a nd by social support. The construction of the psychological questionna ire is described and the results from this and the interviews are disc ussed with suggestions for further research.