Yale University

The impact of receiving an HIV diagnosis and cognitive processing on psychological distress and posttraumatic growth.

TitleThe impact of receiving an HIV diagnosis and cognitive processing on psychological distress and posttraumatic growth.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsNightingale, Vienna R., Tamara G. Sher, and Nathan B. Hansen
JournalJournal of traumatic stress
Volume23
Issue4
Pagination452-60
Date Published2010 Aug
ISSN1573-6598
KeywordsAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Cognition Disorders, Female, HIV Seropositivity, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Models, Psychological, Personality Inventory, Psychometrics, Sick Role, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
AbstractThis study examined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a traumatic stressor, intrusive and deliberate cognitive processing, psychological distress, and posttraumatic growth. One-hundred twelve participants completed interviews on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A, Rumination Scale-Revised, Impact of Event Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory; relationships were modeled using path analysis. Model 1 attempted to replicate prior empirical research, Model 2 attempted to empirically replicate part of the posttraumatic growth theoretical model, and Model 3 attempted to empirically replicate an integrated model of posttraumatic growth and traumatic stress theories. Model 3 had good fit with study data. Results suggest shared and separate pathways from traumatic stressor to psychological distress and posttraumatic growth, with pathways mediated by cognitive processing. Implications of findings are discussed.
DOI10.1002/jts.20554
Alternate JournalJ Trauma Stress

External Links