Positive and negative effects of HIV infection in women with low socioeconomic resources

Predictions generated by cognitive adaptation theory and conservation of resources theory were tested with regard to positive and negative changes associated with HIV infection in an ethnically diverse, low socioeconomic status sample of 189 HIV positive women. Women reported a significantly greater number of benefits than losses in their experiences with HIV infection. Changes in the domains of the self and life priorities were significantly positive, whereas changes in romantic/sexual relations and view of body were significantly negative. Women who reported more benefits were less likely to report depressive and anxious symptoms. Although health status and optimism significantly predicted depression, anxiety, and negative HIV-related changes, socioeconomic resources (education and income) were the most significant predictors of HIV-related benefit finding. Implications of these results are discussed.