In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 asymptomatic HIVpositive men infected through homosexual relations or medical treatment for haemophilia. The objective was to better understand interrelations between: the consequences of infection on everyday life; the meanings given to being HIV-pwsitive; and the reconstruction of identities. The consequences for everyday life are examined in relation to: the importance of keeping one's immune status secret; self-imposed restraints and the constraints ensuing from the immune status; and the resources interviewees tapped to cope with their new situation. The meanings given to infection arose as these men reinterpreted their individual and collective pasts. This biographical reconstruction reinforced components of identity that, prior to HIV-infection, had been built around haemophilia or homosexuality. This is what is called biographical reinforcement, a notion developed in relation to biographical disruption.

Over the last quarter of a century, research on the illness experience has thrived. Publications on this subject are reviewed in relation to three themes: subjectivity; coping actions and strategies for managing everyday life; and the social structure.Sociology of Health and Illness has contributed significantly to this field. In conclusion, research perspectives are suggested for tackling the problems in passing from a micro to a macro level of analysis.

No abstract