Abstract
The goal of this study was to analyze the relationships to be found among stigma perception, active and avoidant coping strategies,
and subjective and psychological well-being in a sample of 133 people with HIV. The results showed that stigma perception
and avoidant coping strategies (venting, self-blame, denial, behavioural disengagement and substance use) were positively
associated, whereas, both stigma perception and avoidant coping were negatively associated with different measures of well-being
(affect balance, self-acceptance and environmental mastery). These negative relationships between stigma perception and the
three well-being measures were mediated by the use of avoidant coping strategies. Results suggest that psychosocial intervention
programs for people who report psychological distress arising from prejudice must be aimed at developing appropriate ways
to deal with this prejudice. Intervention programs should also include strategies to directly increase well-being since from
a positive psychology viewpoint certain interventions have been shown to do so, and HIV research has also shown that well-being
is associated with lower mortality rates.
and subjective and psychological well-being in a sample of 133 people with HIV. The results showed that stigma perception
and avoidant coping strategies (venting, self-blame, denial, behavioural disengagement and substance use) were positively
associated, whereas, both stigma perception and avoidant coping were negatively associated with different measures of well-being
(affect balance, self-acceptance and environmental mastery). These negative relationships between stigma perception and the
three well-being measures were mediated by the use of avoidant coping strategies. Results suggest that psychosocial intervention
programs for people who report psychological distress arising from prejudice must be aimed at developing appropriate ways
to deal with this prejudice. Intervention programs should also include strategies to directly increase well-being since from
a positive psychology viewpoint certain interventions have been shown to do so, and HIV research has also shown that well-being
is associated with lower mortality rates.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9350-6
- Authors
- Pilar Sanjuán, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal, 10-Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Fernando Molero, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal, 10-Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- María José Fuster, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal, 10-Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Encarnación Nouvilas, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), C/Juan del Rosal, 10-Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978