Lovers of aids victims: Psychosocial stresses and counseling needs

Abstract This report identified major areas of psychosocial stress for lovers of AIDS victims: disease management problems like misdiagnosis, protocol changes, and fear or insensitivity on the part of the medical community; isolation from usual support networks including family, friends and religious organizations. Data were obtained through both observation and direct interview. Observational records were kept by each author during her or his three years of work with AIDS patients, their biological as well as gay community families, and support organizations offering services to persons with concerns about AIDS. Direct interviews were conducted with a small, nonrandom sample of lovers during the spring of 1985. Results indicate that this is a population at risk. The degree of stress they experience as a stigmatized and isolated group cannot be overestimated by anyone involved in counseling with these men.