What is known about the post-traumatic
growth experiences among people
diagnosed with HIV/AIDS? A systematic
review and thematic synthesis of the
qualitative literature

Amos, IA

Abstract

Background: Much of the literature suggests that a diagnosis of HIV, or any other chronic illness, heralds
a major transformation that is frequently characterised by negative psychological outcomes. However, there
has been increasing recognition of the profound positive changes that can follow the diagnosis of a life threatening
illness such as HIV, causing researchers to examine experiences of post-traumatic growth among
people living with HIV/AIDS.
Data sources: From the 95 studies retrieved from PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL, and additional
incorporated search strategies, eight studies were included in the review.
Data synthesis: A thematic synthesis was selected with the aim to ‘go beyond’ the findings of the primary
studies included in the review in order to generate new concepts related to the experience of PTG among
people living with HIV/AIDS.
Results: The findings of this systematic review suggest that experiences of post-traumatic growth do exist
among people living with HIV and manifest themselves across the following four areas: (i) reconsideration
of the self; (ii) reordering of values; (iii) redefinition of purpose; and (iv) reconstruction of time.
Conclusion: Therapeutic practitioners may want to take advantage of increasing their awareness of working
effectively with presentations of post-traumatic growth, where the facilitation of growth may be considered as
a clinical intervention different from interventions designed to alleviate distress.
Keywords: post-traumatic growth; benefit finding; HIV/AIDS; qualitative; systematic review

Citation

qualitative literature. Review - British Psychological Society. Counselling Psychology Section, 30(3), 47-56

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Feb 21, 2018
• Journal: Counselling Psychology Review
• Print ISSN: 0269-6975
• Publisher: The British Psychological Society
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 47-56
• Related Public URLs: https://shop.bps.org.uk/counselling-psychology-review-vol-30-no-3-september-2015