Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Social Support (SS) has been shown to have an effect on health and well-being. Patients with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are particularly vulnerable to stigmatization which may effect SS. This study examined the SS networks of 155 gay men with HIV. It was hypothesized that (a) perceived SS differs according to stage of HIV-illness and time since diagnosis, (b) there are select factors that are associated with variations in perceived SS, and (c) level of SS is predictive of future functional capacity and mental health. To assess SS, the Social Support Questionnaire based on the General Social Survey (1995) was utilized. This questionnaire allows participants to complete information for up to nine individuals who provide them with SS. This format yields quantitative as well as qualitative information. The Health Status Questionnaire is a modified version of the MOS-30 adapted for use with persons with HIV. The dependent variable was the participant's level of perceived support, and the independent variables were derived from the self report measures. Perceived support was found to differ across stage of illness and length of time since diagnosis. Gay men with AIDS perceived their support groups as significantly more supportive than individuals who were asymptomatic or symptomatic. Individuals who were diagnosed for less than six months perceived their support group as significantly less supportive than individuals diagnosed longer. Differing levels of SS were found for select factors including race and age of the provider, intimacy with the provider, and the relationship status of the participant. Perceived group support was not found to predict functional capacity or mental health six months later. Implications for health care providers and recommendations for future research are provided.

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