Group Psychotherapy for People With HIV

An Evaluation of Group Psychotherapy for People With HIV

This study will examine the effectiveness of supportive-expressive group therapy plus education compared with an educational intervention in improving the quality of life and promoting health-enhancing behavior of men and women living with HIV or AIDS.

The major goal of this project is to examine the effectiveness of supportive-expressive group therapy plus education in comparison to an educationally intervention in improving the quality of life and promoting health-enhancing behavior of men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) a positive HIV diagnosis (either symptomatic or asymptomatic), 2) at least eighteen years of age, 3) English language skill (to complete questionnaires and participate, if assigned, to the group psychotherapy condition) and, 4) geographical proximity to groups in order to attend if assigned.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) severe psychiatric disorders (i.e. schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders)who would not be appropriate for participating in the group intervention, 2) active tuberculosis, 3) acute intoxication, 4) participation in an ongoing HIV/AIDS support group or 5) suicidal/homicidal ideation.