Psychosocial aspects of genital herpes virus infection.

Abstract

Genital herpes virus infection is one of the most prevalent and perhaps the most emotionally difficult of the sexually transmitted diseases. This article examines the current empirical and clinical understanding of the psychosocial aspects of the disease and proposes a framework for future investigation. Psychosocial issues of importance in the disease are discussed and responses characteristic of the psychosocial adjustment process are presented. Evidence of the role of stress and psychosocial factors is reviewed. Finally, a biopsychosocial research approach to the psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms of the disease is suggested as a way of understanding etiology and process.

Effects of Sexually Transmitted Infection Status, Relationship Status, and Disclosure Status on Sexual Self-Concept

“…When disclosing their STI to a partner, the infected individual must confront not only the social perception of their condition but also their own insecurities and fears surrounding it (Vanderplate & Aral, 1987). Issues of personal morality, responsibility, and ethics intertwine to create feelings of intrapersonal conflict surrounding the issue of whether or not to disclose their STI to their partner (Lehr & Lee, 1990).…”

Web top 10

“…15 The interviews were coded using both themes drawn from previous research [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] and themes that emerged from initial review of the transcripts. The codes were readjusted and refined in a series of iterative cycles to test and build theoretical models.…”

Psychosocial Aspects of Genital Herpes: A Review of the Literature

“…Little research has been done to support clinicians' observations (VanderPlate & Aral, 1987), but the following studies represent the major work in this area.…”