HPV infection as an occasion for personal and relational growth

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic growth, defined as the human capacity for positive growth in the face of negative life events such as disaster and disease, is associated with an array of positive psychological outcomes. Although HPV is increasingly prevalent and the diagnosis is described as traumatic, little is known about the potential for post-traumatic growth in the context of HPV infection and diagnosis.

Methods: Twenty-five women with HPV participated in interviews and described benefits associated with HPV infection and diagnosis.

Results: Five aspects of the HPV experience—serving as a witness, finding a worthy partner, forming/sustaining valued relationships, increasing self-confidence, and developing consciousness of one’s body and physical health—were characterized as beneficial.

Conclusion: Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed, and future directions are suggested.

Keywords:

• Coping behaviors
• Human papillomavirus
• Interpersonal relations
• Qualitative research

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kami A. Kosenko

Author information

Kami A. Kosenko (Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at North Carolina State University.

Jacquelyn Harvey-Knowles

Jacquelyn Harvey-Knowles (Ph.D., University of Washington) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Minnesota–Duluth.

Elizabeth Craig

Elizabeth Craig (Ph.D., University of Oklahoma) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at North Carolina State University.