Psychological distress and coping in the partners of gay men with HIV‐related disease

Abstract

Objectives. This study explored the levels of distress in a UK sample of partners of gay men with HIV disease. The relationship between coping style and other variables to this distress was also investigated. Design and methods. A cross‐sectional questionnaire design was used with measures of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire), coping style (the COPE scale), social support, relationship quality and physical health. Results. Thirty‐five HIV‐negative partners made up the final sample. High levels of distress were found with 54% scoring as psychiatric cases (GHQ). Coping strategies of acceptance, behavioural disengagement, mental disengagement, focusing on emotions and suppression of competing activities were significantly (p<. 05) correlated with psychological distress. Significant but smaller correlations were also found between distress and satisfaction with social support, and distress and measures of the infected person's health. Conclusions. Distress in the partners of people with HIV infection was associated with a number of factors, some amenable to change. This study suggests that psychological therapy aimed at modifying coping style would be a useful adjunct to treatment of the anxiety and depression directly.