Efficacy of Group Intervention to Reduce Stress Symptoms

Efficacy of Group Intervention to Reduce Stress Symptoms

This research study will examine the usefulness of groups in reducing stress and helping individuals with HIV to stay healthy and avoid problems associated with sexually transmitted diseases. We hope to discover whether being in a group is effective in reducing stress-related symptoms and promoting healthy behaviors.

This is a risk reduction intervention for adults who are living with HIV, are experiencing trauma-related stress symptoms, and are at risk for HIV transmission. By first treating trauma symptoms, the effects of a skills-building HIV risk reduction intervention for adults experiencing trauma-related symptoms such as hyperarousal, dissociation, and avoidance will be enhanced. This is based on a model the proposes trauma-related symptoms have direct effects on HIV risk behavior. Therefore, the successful treatment of trauma-related symptoms will facilitate HIV risk behavior change.

Inclusion Criteria:Must be 18 years or older, must be HIV-positive, report engaging in behavior that could put them at risk for HIV transmission in the past three months, report experiencing one or more trauma-related symptoms within the past three months.

Exclusion Criteria:Exclusion criteria include the presence of gross cognitive impairment, dementia, acute psychosis, or severe physical impairment that would preclude adequate comprehension of assessment material and participation in small group intervention.