Cognitive Therapy, Psychosocial Variables and Immune System Functioning of Persons with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This study examined the effect of cognitive therapy on psychosocial variables (stigma consciousness and social support) and immune system functioning of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). One hundred and eighty-seven PLWHA (85 men & 102 women) took part in this study. Stigma consciousness questionnaire and provision of social relation scale were used to collect information from the participants. Immune system functioning was measured using CD4 counts. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there were significant main effects of cognitive therapy on stigma consciousness and social support. Similarly, significant main effect was found of cognitive therapy on immune system functioning. Stigma consciousness, social support and immune system functioning of PLWHA varied with application of cognitive therapy. The outcome provides framework for understanding the link among psychosocial variables, immune system functioning and cognitive therapy, and has practical application to HIV/AIDS management.

Key words: cognitive therapy, immune system, PLWHA, stigma consciousness, social support.