RESUMO
Acceptance among family, friends, and within the community is a critical developmental milestone during adolescence. Having a diagnosis of HIV may hinder or impede one's ability to develop socially. The purpose of our original study was to describe the role spirituality may play in HIV-infected adolescents and emerging adults. We interviewed 21 Christian-identified males using constructivist grounded theory methodology. The theory of the church not embracing HIV-infected youth was generated. The theme "unwelcoming" describes young people's attempts to connect with the church. Embracing adolescents and emerging adults in church may offer support and enhance their ability to cope with HIV.
Assuntos
Cristianismo , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Estigma Social , Espiritualidade , Estereotipagem , Adaptação Psicológica , Adolescente , Adulto , California , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Spirituality is important to holistic health, yet little is known about its impact on young people with HIV. To address this knowledge deficit, a grounded theory study used semi-structured interviews of 20 Christian-identified adolescent and emerging adult gay males and one perinatally infected male. This study revealed that, to cope with HIV health issues, participants used a process of reconnecting with their spirituality. In order to successfully reconnect with their spirituality, study participants reported a need to re-embrace and re-engage in spiritual practices, hold onto hope, believe they are normal, and commit to beliefs and practices despite rejection from the church.