Predictors of Trauma Symptoms in Adults Living with HIV: The Role of Social Connectedness and Sexual Orientation

Authors

• Melissa Zeligman, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Taewon Kim, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Jamian Coleman, University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleFollow
• Moneta Sinclair, Positive Impact Health CentersFollow
• Rico Curtis-Davidson, Positive Impact Health CentersFollow

Association Membership

YES

DOI

10.34296/05012008

First Page Number

42

Last Page Number

49

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has claimed over 740,000 lives in the United States since the 1980s, and further brought a host of mental health concerns, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), primarily brought on by the discrimination and stigma felt by people living with HIV (PLWHA). Social connectedness may serve as a buffer to the trauma often felt by PLWHA. However, rejection and discrimination can limit access to this needed support, especially for sexual minorities living with HIV. The present study (N = 396) examined relationships between social connectedness, trauma symptoms, and sexual orientation for PLWHA. Results showed that social connectedness was a significant predictor of trauma symptoms within the sample, while sexual orientation did not hold a significant relationship with these symptoms. Clinical implications for professional counselors are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Zeligman, M., Kim, T., Coleman, J., Sinclair, M., & Curtis-Davidson, R. (2024). Predictors of Trauma Symptoms in Adults Living with HIV: The Role of Social Connectedness and Sexual Orientation. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 5 (2), 42-49. https://doi.org/10.34296/05012008