Religiousness, Spirituality, and Well-Being Among HIV Positive Gay Men

Abstract

HIV positive gay men have had both positive and negative experiences in regard to organized religion. Religiousness and spirituality have both been shown to be positively associated with the physical and mental health of people living with HIV and AIDS. However, given the negative religious discourse that religious institutions often disseminate, many HIV positive gay men have made a conscious decision to no longer engage in organized religion. Given the relationship between religiousness, spirituality, and well-being, it is imperative that we explore the ways in which faith-based communities can be instrumental in our efforts to fight against the HIV epidemic. In this chapter, we seek to (1) explore current definitions of religiousness and spirituality; (2) discuss the positive influences of religiousness and spirituality on physical and mental health of people living with HIV; (3) examine the potential negative impact of organized religion in the lives of HIV positive gay men; and (4) assess the ways in which religiousness and spirituality can be and have been utilized in HIV prevention efforts. Limitations of the current research as well as recommendations for future research and health promotion interventions for HIV positive gay men are also discussed.