Benefit Finding Moderates the Relationship Between HIV-Related Stigma and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

We hypothesized that benefit finding would moderate the relationship between HIV-related stigma and psychological well-being in people living with HIV (PLWH). 106 PLWH completed an online survey that included measures of demographics, HIV-related stigma, benefit finding, and psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, anger). Results suggest that higher levels of benefit finding offset the negative effects of HIV-related stigma on anger. However, for individuals who fail to find benefits in their illness diagnosis, experiencing stigma may be associated with increased levels of anger