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Cassidy, Daniel G.

Psychology

PhD

The present study endeavors to fill a gap in the literature by exploring a potential specific cognitive mechanism that modifies the relationships among perceptions of HIV/AIDS stigma, psychological symptoms, and disclosure behavior. Specifically, a model was tested wherein mindfulness (i.e., mindful attention and awareness) ameliorates elevations in psychological symptoms (i.e., symptoms of anxiety and depressed mood) in the context of perceptions of HIVIAIDS-related stigma. Within this model it was anticipated that the aforementioned reduction in psychological symptoms would result in increased serostatus disclosure. Results lend partial support to the hypotheses, indicating main and interactive effects for mindhlness and perceptions of HIVIAIDS-related stigma on symptoms of anxiety and depression. Inconsistent with expectations, none of the models was significantly predictive of disclosure behavior. Limitations and directions for further research are discussed, with special emphasis on the clinical implications of the present findings for intervention programs intending to reduce the negative impact of HIVIAIDS stigma on the psychological well-being of those who perceive it.