Relational contexts in adjustment to pregnancy of HIV-positive women: relationships, social support and personal adjustment

Abstract

Relational contexts are a central issue in most people's lives, and people usually rely on the support of others in everyday circumstances. Social support, as a relational context, could have a positive influence on personal adjustment, and is particularly relevant in the psychological well-being of HIV patients. Guided by the Convoy Model of social networks, in a sample of 31 HIV-positive pregnant women we try to assess the role of social support and social network in the adjustment to pregnancy. Profile analysis suggests a greater importance of social support provided by the partner and both parents, especially the support provided by the mother. At the same time, it seems to highlight the buffering hypothesis of social support, which could be understood as a protection factor in the adjustment of HIV-infected women’ to pregnancy.

Keywords:

• social support
• HIV infection
• pregnancy
• adjustment

Acknowledgements

This study (Pregnancy and motherhood: A longitudinal study among HIV-infected women) was funded by the Coordenação Nacional para a Infecção VIH/SIDA (Proc. 11-7.3/2004).