Self-Esteem, Personality-Type and Gender as Factors in Self-Disclosure of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This study investigated self-esteem, personality-type and gender as factors in self-disclosure of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Three hundred (300) persons living with HIV/AIDS (120 males and 180 females) aged 18-60 years with a mean age of 39 participated in the study. Three instruments were used for data collection:

Index of self-esteem (ISE), Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire (EPQ)-Adult, and Self-Disclosure Index (SDI).

The result indicated that self-esteem – F(1,292) = 16.12, p < .001, and personality-type – F(1,292) = 27.72, p < .001 were statistically significant factors in self-disclosure.

where participants with high self-esteem, and those who are extraverted scored higher than their counterparts in self-disclosure.

A very significant interaction was found between self-esteem and personality type.

It was concluded that Psychological tools and therapy should be fully exploited in facilitating the self-esteem of persons living with HIV/AIDS to enable them reach out to other persons in openness for necessary psychosocial support.

Table of Contents

Title Page                                      i

Certification                                   ii

Dedication                                     iii

Acknowledgement                        iv

Table of Contents                          v

List of Tables                                 vi

List of Figures                             vii

Abstract                                        viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION  

Statement of the Problem                        11

Purpose of Study                                    11

Operational Definition of Terms              12

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW                   

Theoretical Review                                           13

• Social Penetration Theory 13
• Social Exchange Theory                           14
• Social Comparison Theory                   16
• Uncertainty Reduction Theory           17

Empirical Review                                    21

Summary of Literature Review          28

Hypotheses                                     30

CHAPTER THREE: METHOD

Participants                                     31

Instruments                                      31

Procedure                                          33

Design/Statistics                             34

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT        

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION 

Implication of the Result                          40

Limitation of Study                                  42

Recommendation for Further Studies                       42

Summary and Conclusion                     43

References                                44

Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Many are the challenges of life, including ill-health such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), which mankind has to cope with.

However, the ability to self-disclose ones HIV status to gain information or to seek emotional and practical support from inside or outside one’s social network remains an essential ingredient in creating and maintaining hope and quality of life for the persons living with HIV/AIDS and for public health.

Self-disclosure to significant others (spouse/partners, father or mother, children, friends, colleagues, etc) is a life-long process for persons living with HIV/AIDS, as disclosure is something that every person living with HIV/AIDS experiences and struggles with.

The process is complex and fraught with mixed emotions, as the outcome can be unpredictable and difficult to handle, though, with proper preparation, timing and strategy, positive outcomes that outweigh the negative ones are guaranteed.

Given the personal and societal importance of self-disclosure in HIV/AIDS (better medical adherence, better level and quality of social support, lower level of emotional distress/anxiety, prevention of the spread of HIV, improved family cohesion and improved relationship, etc),

It is expedient to explore the possible factors in self-disclosure of persons living with HIV/AIDS, with particular reference to psycho-social variables such as self-esteem, personality-type and gender.

References

Aarigu, O. (2011). Skilled Interpersonal Interaction Research: Theory and Practice. London, Rostledge.

AIDS Brief (2004). Namibia Committee on AIDS (Nabcoa ‘s) Quarterly Publication 3,15.

Altman, I. & Taylor, D. R. (1973). Social Penetration: The Development of Interpersonal Relationships. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Armistead, L; Morse, E; Forehand, R; Morse; P. & Clark. L. (1999). African-American Women and Self-Disclosure of HIV Infection. Rates, Predictors and Relationship to Depressive Symptomatology. AIDS and Behaviour 3(3), 195-204.

Arnold, E. M., Rice, E; Flannery, D. & Rotheram-Bonus, M. J. (2008). HIV Disclosure among Adults living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Care, 20 (1), 80-92.

Barry, F. A. (2006). Self-Disclosure in Psychotherapy. New York, The Guilford Press.