The Application of the Occupational Science Negative Heuristic in the Treatment of Persons with Human Immunodeficiency Infection

Abstract

The knowledge that one is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inevitably generates psychological fragility. Fear of disfiguring physical symptoms, loss of occupational role and financial status, rejection and social ostracism, and of death itself may be overwhelming. In this paper, we extracted themes from the negative heuristic of occupational science in order to conceptualize occupational therapy programming that would meet the needs of persons in various stages of HIV infection. A blueprint for programming that flowed from the themes of symbolism, control, temporal rhythms, wellness through occupation, occupational role, and environment is presented.