Abstract
ABSTRACTTrauma exposure can result in negative health outcomes, making it important to accurately identify the trajectory of traumatic experiences. The purpose of this study was to examine the traumatic experiences of women living with HIV using the Life History Calendar in order to identify common factors that may have accounted for either risk or resiliency outcomes. Individual interviews were conducted with 30 women living in a major US city. Most participants (73%) reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse and more than one trauma. We identified several important themes in the lives of HIV positive women: chaotic upbringing in violent and dysfunctional homes, exposure to interpersonal violence (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, intimate partner violence), substance abuse, and criminal involvement. Family and social support was identified as positive factors in trauma recovery.
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