Spiritual Wellness for Clients With HIV/AIDS: Review of Counseling Issues

Abstract

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS has resulted in an increasing population of individuals in need of counseling services: persons living with AIDS, as well as family, friends, and caregivers. The relationship between HIV/AIDS clients' counseling and spiritual issues is demonstrated by a review of salient literature. Three broad themes are used: terminal illness issues such as post‐death existence and existential meaning of life, religious disenfranchisement from society or families of origin, and multicultural spiritual and religious issues. Practical recommendations for counselors and research implications are included.

A Structural Equation Model of Religious Activities on Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Adults with HIV

“…This finding also corresponds to previous findings in the literature (Franzini, Ribble, & Wingfield, 2005;Koenig, George, & Titus, 2004). However, HIV is a stigmatizing disease and has been considered by some religious groups as being a curse or punishment from God (Crawford, Allison, Robinson, Hughes, & Samaryk, 1992;Holt, Houg, & Romano, 1999) which could obviously discourage religious participation and social contact for adults with HIV. Regardless, in this sample, it is clear despite such drawbacks that religious participation may be a way for many to augment their social support and stay in touch with others in the community.…”

“…Previous research shows different patterns of religious participation in different groups of people (Franzini, Ribble, & Wingfield, 2005). With such discrimination many adults with HIV have felt from the religious community (Crawford et al, 1992;Holt et al, 1999;Kopelman, 2002), this may have altered the phenomenological experience of their religious participation. The present model is useful in that it represents the average, overall effects of age, educational status, chronicity, and religious activities on biopsychosocial outcomes across group membership.…”

Religion, spirituality, and older adults with HIV: critical personal and social resources for an aging epidemic

“…Older adults with HIV could benefit from a more comprehensive approach to disease management that incorporates their level of spirituality and religiosity, as well as appropriate referrals for those who need counseling in these and related areas of their lives. Such counseling may be of value to many with HIV as they confront and cope with issues of intimacy, fear, guilt, anger, and confusion over the disease 59. During counseling, religious and spiritual issues will undoubtedly emerge.…”

Religious Coping and Physiological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual Outcomes in Patients with HIV/AIDS: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Findings

“…Patients with HIV/AIDS may experience other stigma-related losses as well, such as being fired from their jobs or evicted from their apartments (Menz 1987). Finally, people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS may lose support and feel ostracized from their religious communities because HIV/AIDS is associated with behaviors, such as homosexuality, sexual promiscuity, and drug use, that run counter to the beliefs of many religious traditions Holt et al 1999;Woodward and Sowell 2001;Yarhouse and Anderson 2002). As a result, persons with HIV/AIDS may not have adequate spiritual resources to address questions regarding their relationships with God and life after death.…”

“…Second, individuals with HIV/AIDS may lose coping resources, such as social support, due to the stigmatization that often accompanies an HIV/AIDS diagnosis (Corless 2002;Holt et al 1999). Patients with HIV/AIDS may experience other stigma-related losses as well, such as being fired from their jobs or evicted from their apartments (Menz 1987).…”