We propose to conduct an exploratory, prospective longitudinal study to identify and assess characteristics of psychological growth in women living with HIV. Our overall long-term objective is to better inform mental health interventions for people living with HIV by incorporating research on psychological growth into intervention models. In this study, a small number of adult women living with HIV (initial N = 40) will be interviewed three times/year over the course of a little more than four years. About 50% of the participants will be women of color, including Asian-American and Pacific Island-American women. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis will be used to examine positive psychological growth related to changes in self-perception, meaning of life, coping, hope, social support, social networks, and other participant-generated topics. As medical treatment for HIV/AIDS continues to advance, it is anticipated that individuals will live longer after HIV infection. Research findings on ways such individuals enhance their own mental health will contribute to more cost-effective and more humane methods of providing for the mental health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH057222-03
Application #
2890969
Study Section
Psychobiological, Biological, and Neurosciences Subcommittee (MHAI)
Program Officer
Pequegnat, Willo
Project Start
1997-05-01
Project End
2002-04-30
Budget Start
1999-05-15
Budget End
2000-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Hawaii
Department
Type
Schools of Social Work
DUNS #
121911077
City
Honolulu
State
HI
Country
United States
Zip Code
96822
Mueller, Charles W; Martel, Lise D; Le, Yen-Chi L et al. (2009) The role of minor and adult children in the adjustment of women living with HIV. AIDS Care 21:1169-75
Mueller, Charles W; Orimoto, Lisa; Kaopua, Lana S (2003) Psychosocial adjustment of Native Hawaiian women living with HIV/AIDS: the central role of affective bonds. Pac Health Dialog 10:3-9