‘You can spend your life dying or you can spend your life living’: Identity transition in people who are HIV-positive

Abstract

This article examines, through the lenses of HIV-positive people, the unique phenomenon of identity transition. This research proposes that life-changing illnesses, such as HIV, are an undesired ‘possession’ that people accept to varying degrees, which we refer to as ‘ownership’. While illnesses, such as HIV compel individuals to undergo a transformation process that usually begins with a deep feeling of detachment, and then proceeds to acceptance of their illness, and to feeling empowered and in control of their HIV status and lives, this process is very complex and non-linear as it involves many iterative progressions in identity transition. These transitions are highly individualistic; however, the underlying theme is that the more positive trajectories were those of people who focus on their new lives, living with HIV (i.e. taking ownership of their illness), rather than focusing on what they have lost when they became HIV-positive. The findings demonstrate that identity transition is a result of the ways that individuals rework, negotiate and transform their roles, actions and behaviours through their active engagement with support mechanisms. This study suggests that it is vital to promote positive interactions with support mechanisms to ensure that those with HIV view themselves positively.

Keywords:

• identity transition
• ownership
• HIV

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Associate Editor and two reviewers for their constructive comments and helpful inputs. We would like to thank Russell Belk, Kelly Tian and James McAlexander who provided valuable feedback in shaping the work, as did Michael Beverland in regard to refocusing an initial draft. The work would not have been possible without the gratuitous support of Straight Arrows and Catholic AIDS Ministry for their assistance for promoting this study and their help with recruitment process, as well as the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash for financially supporting the work. Finally and most importantly, we owe special thanks to all our informants who volunteered to participate in this study and shared their stories and experiences.