Perceived Stigma and Mental Health: Mediating Role of Coping Strategies in People Living with HIV Positive

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate perceived stigma, coping strategies, and mental health in people living with HIV positive. A correlational research design was used with purposive sampling. It was hypothesized that coping strategies (maladaptive and adaptive) are likely to mediate the relationship between perceived stigma and mental health. The sample comprised a total of N=148,divided between men (n=117) and women (n= 31)with a mean age of 34 years(SD=9.09). The meditational analysis revealed that coping strategies partially mediated the relationship between perceived stigma (vicarious and internalized) and mental health (depression). The study concluded that stigmatization and coping mechanisms play an important role in HIV patients’ psychological health. Findings suggest that adaptive coping is an excellent buffer against perceived stigma and mental distress. Research findings provide new insights into the development of specific psychological and psychosocial approaches aimed at the prevention of stigmatization and promotion of effective coping mechanisms to contribute towards HIV patients’ mental health.