This study evaluated an intervention to facilitate adaptive coping by persons living with HIV (PLWH), with the participation of their cohabiting partners as a dimension of the intervention. An experimental design with randomization was used, and 84 PLWH and their partners were recruited. The intervention was based on a psychosocial educational model that incorporated 4 two-hour sessions focused on communication, stress appraisal, adaptive coping strategies, and building social support. Both members of the dyad were included in each session. The comparison control included four supportive phone calls to the PLWH alone. Data were collected from both the PLWH and their partners in each of the two groups at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and 3 months and 6 months post-treatment. Data were analyzed using RM ANOVA, with change scores from the partner data being covariates. Findings indicated that the design was a feasible model, which demonstrated potential for the management of stress, and possibly problems such as adherence, in PLWH. A manual was developed as a part of this intervention and is currently available.
KeywordsCoping; Emotional Response; Social Support; Experimental Design; Dyad; HIV; AIDS The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapies has offered important advances in extending the life of persons living with HIV (PLWH); nevertheless, it is widely recognized that these treatments have numerous unpleasant side effects and their effectiveness is not assured. The disease continues to be associated with chronic debilitation and social stigma that lead to degradation of the self, high levels of distress, and irrevocable life changes (Brown & PowellCope, 1992). Therefore, longitudinal research aimed toward management of the psychological Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Finding means to assist PLWH to cope with these numerous and diverse problems has become an increasing concern. This is a significant issue from several perspectives. First, there is a need to reduce psychosocial vulnerability that can result in debilitating behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation. Second, there is evidence that debilitating psychosocial problems have a negative impact on maintaining adherence to complex treatment regimens, which is a threat to the individual's health as well as a serious public health problem (Catz, Kelly, Bogart, Benotsch, & McAuliffe, 2000;Chesney, 2003;Ickovics et al., 2002;Pratt et al., 2001;Tucker, Burnam, Sherbourne, Kung, & Gifford, 2003). Third, maladaptive coping is associated with high-ris...