Gratitude as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Social Support on Psychological Wellbeing Among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Abstract

People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) frequently encounter adverse circumstances, including depression and feelings of inadequacy. The stigma associated with their condition often leads to feelings of shame, isolation, and a diminished zest for life.  These adverse conditions are known to significantly impact the psychological well-being of PLHIV. This study seeks to scrutinize the relationship between emotional intelligence and social support is mediated by gratitude. The research was carried out in East Kalimantan Province. A quantitative methodology was employed in this investigation. The study encompassed PLHIV who receive support from the Mahakam Plus Community Initiators in Samarinda, Indonesia. The data collection process involved four distinct questionnaires, focusing on emotional intelligence, social support, gratitude, and psychological well-being. In analyzing the gathered data, a path analysis technique was employed. The research findings revealed that gratitude plays a pivotal role as a mediating factor capable of bridging the relationship between social support on psychological well-being and mediating the influence of emotional intelligence on psychological well-being. The model of psychological well-being among PLHIV in this study aligns closely with empirical data. This alignment is evidenced by a standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) value of 0.100, a Q value greater than zero, and a model goodness-of-fit (GoF) score of 0.483. Moreover, the study uncovered that emotional intelligence, social social support, and gratitude exert a positive and statistically significant influence on psychological well-being. The study underscored the critical role of gratitude as a mediating variable. The implications of these findings in terms of potential strategies and interventions for enhancing the psychological well-being of PLHIV are thoroughly discussed.