A qualitative investigation of adolescents' experiences with parental HIV/AIDS
Abstract
The present qualitative study was an investigation of the implications of parental HIV/AIDS for affected adolescents. The purpose of the study was (a) to understand adolescents' perceptions of and experiences with parental HIV/AIDS, and (b) to explore how parental HIV/AIDS affects adolescents' psychosocial functioning, particularly in the home and school environments. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17. Major themes highlighted by adolescents included loss, transitions, disclosure, coping, school implications, uncertainty, paradoxical situations, and support networks. Also of importance were the impact of parental attitudes and behavior, AIDS education and awareness, and adolescents' cognitive capabilities. Each of these issues affected adolescents' psychosocial functioning and adjustment to their parents' illness. Findings both validated and expanded upon previous research. Emergent themes yielded hypotheses with implications for future research.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Psychotherapy|Health
Recommended Citation
Woodring, Lori Attanasio, "A qualitative investigation of adolescents' experiences with parental HIV/AIDS" (2000). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI9975367.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI9975367
