Impact of stressful death or divorce in people with HIV: A prospective examination and the buffering effects of religious coping and social support. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ironson, Gail; Henry, Sarah M; Gonzalez, Brian D
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 25:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 606
• Page End: 616
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: anxiety -- HIV -- social support -- spirituality -- stress; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105317726151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a stressful death/divorce on psychological and immune outcomes in people with HIV. People with HIV with stressful death/divorce were examined from before the event to up to 12 months later ( n = 45); controls were assessed at similar intervals ( n = 112). Stressful deaths/divorces were associated with increased viral load and anxiety over time ( p s ≤ .014), but not CD4+ or depression. Increased use of religious coping after the stressful death/divorce was associated with slower increases in viral load ( p = .010). These data suggest people with HIV should consider the potentially elevated risk of transmission after such events and seek appropriate monitoring and care.