The HIV-infected child: parental responses and psychosocial implications

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1994 Jul;64(3):485-92. doi: 10.1037/h0079539.

Abstract

Four dimensions of psychological adaptation of 101 parents of HIV-infected children were examined. Heightened anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief were associated with child's age at diagnosis, parent's HIV status, and parent's relationship to the child. Parents at higher risk for psychological distress were identified, and an optimum time point for intervention is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Death
  • Awareness
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Female
  • Grief*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Personality Inventory
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sick Role