A multi-method approach to research on psychosocial responses to AIDS: In search of 'common threads'

The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial responses to AIDS using a research process which took into account the potential problems inherent in studying persons who are stigmatized. The two primary and one secondary research questions asked were: (1) What themes are expressed by persons affected by AIDS when they are asked to respond to the impact of AIDS on their lives?, (2) Do persons who are HIV+ vary significantly from those who are not HIV+ but who are affected by the disease when they are asked to respond to the impact of AIDS on their lives?, and (3) Can the research design used to study persons affected by AIDS have a positive impact on the persons being studied? These questions were explored using both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Qualitative data were obtained through individual interviews and post-study group discussions. Quantitative analyses were used to develop a survey and compare subject responses. The research methodologies were carefully chosen to account for the ethical and practical considerations associated with studying the potentially emotionally charged issues surrounding AIDS.;A total sample of 126 persons associated with the Milwaukee AIDS Project volunteered to participate in the study. Data obtained from the individual interviews of 12 subjects were used to develop a "Responses to AIDS Survey" which was administered to 25 persons who were HIV+ and 69 persons who were HIV...