THE PARADOX OF HIV AIDS AS EXPANDING CONSCIOUSNESS

A heuristic approach employing Newman's method for pattern identificat ion was used to examine the theory of health as expanding consciousnes s in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunode ficiency syndrome (AIDS). Themes derived from the interviews of nine g ay men portrayed a pattern of alienation during childhood, followed by a breaking away from family, and progressing to cycles of aloneness a nd searching. Recognition of HIV/AIDS in their lives brought them to a turning point of more meaningful connectedness. This pattern is viewe d as expanding consciousness and possibly a phenomenon of cultural evo lution.