TY - JOUR
T1 - Coping and psychological distress among symptomatic HIV+ men who have sex with men
AU - Penedo, Frank J.
AU - Gonzalez, Jeffrey S.
AU - Davis, Catherine
AU - Dahn, Jason
AU - Antoni, Michael H.
AU - Ironson, Gail
AU - Malow, Robert
AU - Schneiderman, Neil
N1 - Funding Information:
This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, including PO1 MH49548, and T32 MH18917.
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - This study evaluated relations among indicators of latent coping factors and psychological distress while incorporating measures of life stress and HIV illness related factors simultaneously among 211 symptomatic, HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants were all assessed at a single time point. A structural equations model with latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidant-oriented coping, and psychological distress showed adequate fit. Furthermore, significant associations were identified among latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidance coping, and psychological distress; specifically, greater use of approach-oriented coping strategies and less use of avoidant-oriented coping were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. The model was revised to incorporate variables significantly associated with psychological distress (i.e., personal loss-total events, personal loss-controllability, and HIV-related symptoms). Relations among the coping and psychological distress latent factors remained significant. The results suggest that HIV+ MSM who do not have the coping skills or resources necessary to use adequate coping strategies to face the chronic burdens associated with HIV illness are likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress, independent of lie stress and ongoing HIV-related symptoms.
AB - This study evaluated relations among indicators of latent coping factors and psychological distress while incorporating measures of life stress and HIV illness related factors simultaneously among 211 symptomatic, HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants were all assessed at a single time point. A structural equations model with latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidant-oriented coping, and psychological distress showed adequate fit. Furthermore, significant associations were identified among latent factors for approach-oriented coping, avoidance coping, and psychological distress; specifically, greater use of approach-oriented coping strategies and less use of avoidant-oriented coping were associated with lower levels of psychological distress. The model was revised to incorporate variables significantly associated with psychological distress (i.e., personal loss-total events, personal loss-controllability, and HIV-related symptoms). Relations among the coping and psychological distress latent factors remained significant. The results suggest that HIV+ MSM who do not have the coping skills or resources necessary to use adequate coping strategies to face the chronic burdens associated with HIV illness are likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress, independent of lie stress and ongoing HIV-related symptoms.
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U2 - 10.1207/S15324796ABM2503_06
DO - 10.1207/S15324796ABM2503_06
M3 - Article
C2 - 12763715
AN - SCOPUS:0038460039
SN - 0883-6612
VL - 25
SP - 203
EP - 213
JO - Annals of Behavioral Medicine
JF - Annals of Behavioral Medicine
IS - 3
ER -