Living well with HIV - Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological variables mediating and moderating the impact of stigma on quality of life and distress in people living with HIV
IRAS ID
212651
Contact name
Csilla Gulyas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
What are the psychological variables that impact on the relationship between stigma and quality of life/distress in people living with HIV?
Due to advances in medical treatment, having HIV is now seen as a long-term condition, rather than the fatal condition it once was. Consequently quality of life has become an important outcome measure. Levels of stigma (an unfair negative belief held about a group for being different) are high in people living with HIV and have a strong negative impact on quality of life. Previous studies in other stigmatised populations have found that self-compassion, the content of one's thoughts towards oneself and the level of entanglement with these thoughts (cognitive fusion) can impact on quality of life and distress. The aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of these variables on the relationship between HIV stigma and quality of life/distress in people living with HIV. The findings of the study could help choose better psychological treatments aimed at improving quality of life for people living with HIV. This study will consist of six self-report online questionnaires taking approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. Paper copies will be available at NHS Lothian sites and through HIV organisations, who will aid recruitment. The study will also be advertised through researchers in HIV in the USA. Adults with a diagnosis of HIV will be eligible to take part in the study. Participation is voluntary and patients will self-select to take part.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0018
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion