HIV/AIDS Stigma and Psychological Well-being in People Living with HIV

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Warsaw conducted a study to examine the relationship between HIV/AIDS stigma, psychological well-being, and embodiment among people living with HIV. The study aimed to identify subgroups based on levels of stigma, well-being, and minority stress. The findings highlight the importance of person-centered, intersectional approaches in stigma-reduction and mental health interventions for people living with HIV.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 540 people living with HIV (PLWH) completed validated measures of HIV/AIDS stigma, psychological well-being, embodiment, and minority stress.
  • Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified three distinct profiles: high stigma and low psychological well-being, low stigma and high psychological well-being, and average levels of all indicators.
  • Embodiment levels differed significantly across profiles, with the highest levels of positive embodiment reported by PLWH in the low stigma and high psychological well-being profile.
  • Minority stress was significantly higher in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) participants in the high stigma and low psychological well-being profile.
  • Greater psychological well-being and lower perceived stigma are associated with higher embodiment.
  • PLWH face compounded minority stress, further impacting their embodiment and well-being.

Statistics:

  • 540 people living with HIV participated in the study.
  • Three distinct profiles emerged from the latent profile analysis.
  • Embodiment levels differed significantly across profiles: Profile 1 (high stigma and low psychological well-being) reported the lowest levels of positive embodiment, while Profile 2 (low stigma and high psychological well-being) reported the highest levels.
  • Minority stress was significantly higher in LGBT participants in Profile 1 (high stigma and low psychological well-being).
  • The study highlights the importance of person-centered, intersectional approaches in stigma-reduction and mental health interventions for PLWH.

Sources:

  • Quality of Life Research (2025) - Profiles of HIV/AIDS stigma and psychological well-being in relation to embodiment among people living with HIV.
  • NewsRx LLC (2025, November 3) - University of Warsaw Describes Findings in HIV/AIDS (Profiles of HIV/AIDS stigma and psychological well-being in relation to embodiment among people living with HIV). AIDS Weekly, p 156.