Correlates of emotional distress among HIV+ youths: Health status, stress, and personal resources

Abstract

The level of emotional distress and the impact of stress and personal resources on distress were examined among 149 youths aged 14–23 who tested seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+). These HIV+ females and males (the males were predominantly gay and bisexual) were relatively healthy (M T cells=516; 17% T cells >200; 3.8 physical symptoms in the previous three months) and reported levels of emotional distress and self-esteem similar to uninfected adolescents. Youths experienced about three stressful life events in the previous three months, primarily death/illness of friends and violent crimes. Youths were less likely to utilize self destructive, avoidant, and depressed coping styles in contrast to taking positive actions. Social support from parents, friends, and romantic partners was high, but these support persons often engaged in sexual and substance use risk acts. Controlling for youths’ physical health status, increased emotional distress was associated with significantly lower self-esteem, higher stress, and negative coping styles. Social support did not mediate emotional distress among HIV+ youths.