HIV-related stigma: A negative & intersecting life experience

Author

Taylor Beckwith, Whittier CollegeFollow

Periodical Title

Modern Psychological Studies

Volume

26

Number

1

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

In 2016, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affected over 1.1 million people in the United States. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications have allowed HIV-positive individuals to live longer lives, but this has meant greater exposure to HIV-related stigma. This literature review examines how HIV exists as a chronic disease and how HIV-related stigma contributes to a negative life experience. The concept of intersectionality is used to analyze the overlapping identities of (a) gay, bisexual men, (b) women, (c) and youth and adolescents. Even though individuals may be managing their diagnosis, added stress, stigma, and maladaptive coping mechanisms can lead to negative health outcomes. This review reveals the importance of understanding intersectional identities surrounding HIV-related stigma and individuals’ experiences in the societal environment.

Subject

Psychology

Keyword

intersectionality; stigma; identities; mental health; coping; stress

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Recommended Citation

Beckwith, Taylor (2021) "HIV-related stigma: A negative & intersecting life experience," Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 26: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol26/iss1/3