Provided and received partner support in the context of HIV-related stigma: effects on couple members' daily depression and relationship satisfaction

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The current study utilized a diary methodology to better understand whether perceiving and encountering HIV-related stigma influences the ways in which provided and received partner support predict day-to-day feelings of depression and relationship satisfaction. These associations are examined, over the course of a 3-week period, among 17 couples in which one member has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Results confirm that perceptions of and encounters with HIV stigma are differentially associated with psychological and relationship outcomes, depending on a person's illness status. Moreover, following an encounter with a stigmatizing event, as long as supportive behaviors are provided by at least one partner on that same day, even in the absence of reciprocated support, better psychological and relational outcomes are likely for both couple members.