Family Adaptation to AIDS: A Comparative Study

SUMMARY

In this study the McCubbin stress and coping model was used as a theoretical framework to compare the differences in family adaptation to AIDS and to other terminal illnesses. The nonprobability convenience sample consisted of 26 families of AIDS patients and 26 of hospice patients with other terminal illnesses. The Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes was used to measure the number of stressful events experienced by the family since diagnosis and the Family Adaptation to Medical Stressors Questionnaire measured role flexibility. Families of AIDS patients had significantly more stress, more rules prohibiting emotional expression, lower trust levels, and more illness anxiety than the other families.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ronnie Atkins

Ronnie Atkins, RN, MSN, is Assistant Director and Director of Nursing at Saint Anthony’s Hospital Hospice and Life Enrichment Center, Amarillo, TX.

Madalon O’Rawe Amenta

Madalon O’Rawe Amenta, RN, DPH, is Associate Professor of Nursing, at The Pennsylvania State University, McKeesport Campus, McKeesport, PA.