The Inner Working of Trauma: A Qualitative Assessment of Experiences of Trauma, Intergenerational Family Dynamics, and Psychological Well-Being in Women With HIV in South Carolina.

Abstract

Women with HIV are more likely to have a history of traumatic and stressful life experiences. The current study examines experiences of traumatic and stressful life events, issues co-occurring with experiences of trauma, and intergenerational family dynamics regarding trauma and psychological well-being in women with HIV. The study was guided by the theoretical approach of an integrative translational model that incorporates trauma-related factors into a psychosocial framework. Data were collected from interviews with 20 women with HIV and analyzed for thematic categories. Thematic analysis indicated that traumatic life events of women with HIV included experiences of loss, sexual assault, and homelessness. Women with HIV also experienced issues co-occurring with trauma, including substance use and mental illness. The current study adds to the existing body of research by including an analysis of intergenerational family dynamics and psychological well-being. Implications for health care professionals and recommendations for translating research into practice are also discussed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(4), 23-31.].