Psychological Distress Following Disenfranchised Grief and Social Support Loss in African American Women Living With HIV

Date of Conferral

11-6-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Anthony Perry

Abstract

Psychological distress can have lasting effects on African American women living with HIV. Research on African American women experiencing psychological distress (anxiety and depression) and living with HIV has focused on coping strategies, religious coping, medical adherence, and quality of life. African American women experiencing psychological distress due to their HIV diagnosis and status may also experience disenfranchised grief and social support loss. This quantitative study determined the extent to which disenfranchised grief and social support loss predicted psychological distress among African American women living with HIV. The integrative theory of bereavement and chronic sorrow theory served as the theoretical foundation. Participants (N = 70) completed an online survey using SurveyMonkey. Standard multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the relative strength of disenfranchised grief and social support loss in predicting psychological distress (anxiety and depression). Results demonstrated that disenfranchised grief and social support loss (family, friends, and significant others) did not significantly predict psychological distress (anxiety and depression) among African American women with HIV. Although the findings in the current study did not demonstrate a predictive relationship between the variables, the theories offer insight for bereaved individuals living with HIV. The results of this study may lead to positive social change by providing information to grief counselors, psychologists, and other advocates to effectively serve African American women living with HIV.

This item is not available through Walden resources

Share

 
COinS