Positive and Negative Affect: Differential Impact of Optimism, Pessimism, and Coping in People Living with HIV/AIDS

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLH) struggle with depression. Recent research suggests that depression affects medical regimen adherence, disease progression, and risky sexual behaviors. The present study uses a stress and coping theory viewing HIV-related stigma and physical symptoms as stressors in PLH. Results suggest whereas symptoms and stigma consistently predict negative affect, positive affect, and overall depression, the role of optimism, pessimism, active coping, denial, and behavioral disengagement is not as clear. Pessimism and denial predict negative affect and depression. Optimism and behavioral disengagement predict depression and positive affect. Active coping only predicts positive affect. Focusing on positive and negative affect as distinct components that contribute to overall depression may help researchers develop interventions more effectively.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2005

Author dc:creator

• Ranucci, Melissa B.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Guarnaccia, Charles A.
• Vosvick, Mark A.
• Jenkins, Sharon Rae

• AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Psychology.
• HIV-positive persons -- Psychology.
• Depression, Mental.
• Optimism.
• Pessimism.
• Adjustment (Psychology)
• pessimism
• HIV
• depression
• optimism
• coping

Statement dc:rights

• Use restricted to UNT Community
• Copyright
• Ranucci, Melissa B.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 68484677
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4804/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc4804

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc4804