Disclosure of HIV Infection Among Asian/Pacific Islander American Women: Cultural Stigma and Support

• Published in: Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology 1999-08, Vol.5 (3), p.222-235
• Main Authors: Chin, Dorothy, Kroesen, Kendall W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Asian Americans; Asians; Consequence; Female; Females; HIV; Human; Human Females; Los Angeles, California; Oceanic Cultural Groups; Psychological Stress; Self Disclosure; Social Support; Sociocultural Factors; Stigma
• ISSN: 1099-9809; 1939-0106
• DOI: 10.1037/1099-9809.5.3.222

Disclosure of HIV infection can lead to important social support that can mitigate the negative effects of stress ( R. B. Hays et al., 1993 ). However, disclosure can also result in rejection, discrimination, and stigma, making the decision to disclose a dilemma for individuals infected with HIV. This decision may be particularly difficult for Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) women, owing to HIV's association with topics considered "taboo" in Asian cultures ( T. S. Gock, 1994 ; G. Yep, 1993 ). This study explored the process, influencing factors, and consequences of disclosure among a sample of 9 HIV-positive A/PI women. On the basis of qualitative interviews and quantitative social network data, findings suggest that these women are acutely aware of and affected by the stigma attached to HIV and that the decision to disclose is influenced by fears about being stigmatized, concerns about disappointing or burdening others, and concerns about discrimination. The consequences of disclosure were generally positive, with variations over time that include both the exacerbation and amelioration of stress. Results suggest the need for research and interventions to address the cultural factors that affect the disclosure process as well as the varying levels and sources of stress over time.