The authors examined levels of psychosocial distress and well-being in
65 gay or bisexual men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV); 24 of these men had asymptomatic HIV infection, 22 had acquired
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related complex, and 19 had AIDS. All of
the men evidenced high levels of psychosocial distress, but those with
AIDS-related complex and those with asymptomatic HIV infection were
significantly more distressed than those with AIDS. Corresponding
differences were not observed in feelings of psychosocial well-being. The
authors conclude that specific psychosocial issues and adaptive demands
should be identified over the course of HIV illness.
Abstract Teaser