The role of mechanisms of buffering anxiety in HIV carriers. A study within the terror management theory paradigm
Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2011, Vol 65, Issue 0
Abstract
Introduction: The paper concerns definition of the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG), the psychological adaptation mechanism occurring after extreme experiences in life, such as being informed of having HIV infection. Aim: The study is experimental, aiming to assess whether correlations between exposure to thoughts of stressful experiences and their psychological consequences are mediated by an efficient mechanism of buffering anxiety. Material/Methods: Fifty-four men and 26 women infected with HIV who underwent manipulated exposure to mortality according to the hypotheses of the terror management theory (TMT) were included. Subjects were randomly assigned to the control group (dental anxiety) or the experimental group (fear of dying). Results: The results confirmed the assumptions of the terror management theory. The subjects had an efficient mechanism of alleviating the fear of dying, the so-called “anxiety buffer.” The analysis revealed a high level of posttraumatic growth and advantages derived from the disease. The paper additionally characterizes the specific group of HIV-positive people, their functioning in society and the family. It touches on such issues as professional work, relations with relatives and friends, social life, and adherence. Conclusions: The study has shown that the specific group of people infected with HIV managed very well to adapt to the circumstances. One may say that as a consequence of acquiring the infection, the subjects have experienced significant changes of personality, which have ultimately led to an improvement of their lives and offered new possibilities for personal and social development to them. All the recorded changes fit into the TMT paradigm.
Authors and Affiliations
Marta Kwiatkowska, Brygida Knysz , Jacek Gąsiorowski , Aleksandra Łuszczyńska , Andrzej Gładysz
Keywords
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