Recognizing HIV/AIDS volunteers’ stressors and desire for support

Abstract

Little research has focused on experiences of volunteers for people living with HIV/AIDS but other research on caregivers for this population illustrates the stress often experienced. This study identifies stressors experienced by volunteers for people with HIV/AIDS, and determines the types of social support needed to help volunteers cope with the stressors identified. Six volunteers were interviewed at a small non-profit organization in Appalachia providing such services. Participants indicated that providing services for people with HIV/AIDS is a rewarding experience; however, stress and frustration played a large role in their experiences with the organization. Further, the results of this study indicate that emotional and informational social support may help volunteers cope with stressors associated with providing services for people with HIV/AIDS.