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Selective Disclosure: A Pilot Investigation into Changes in Family Relationships Since HIV Diagnosis
Author(s) -
Leask Cristy,
Elford Jonathan,
Bor Robert,
Miller Riva,
Johnson Margaret
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/1467-6427.00038
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , outpatient clinic , medicine , family medicine , clinical psychology , psychology , self disclosure , psychiatry , social psychology
The aim of this research was (1) to determine the impact of HIV infection on the family as experienced by a sample of HIV infected males and females attending a London hospital HIV/AIDS service, and (2) to examine the feasibility of conducting this investigation in a clinical setting. Fifty patients (predominantly gay males and heterosexual females) attending an HIV outpatient clinic were assessed using a self‐administered questionnaire covering family relationships and disclosure of HIV. The results showed a similarity for gay males and heterosexual females in the definition of ‘close family’, yet a difference in the disclosure of HIV status to their family of origin. We conclude that the impact of HIV on the family can be examined in a clinical setting, although the question of validation must be addressed.