Aids-Related Stigmatization and the Disruption of Social Relationships

Abstract

This article describes the importance of stigma to understanding the experience of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially with respect to social relationships. Based on anonymous questionnaires from respondents who either have AIDS, AIDS-related complex or are infected but asymptomatic, we found that many of those infected with HIV do not feel stigmatized or show its effects. Those who do feel stigmatized also felt anxious, depressed and alienated from others. These feelings of anxiety, depression and alienation were independent of HIV diagnostic severity but were associated with disruptions in normal social relationships.