Exploring Resilience Among Black Women Living With HIV in the Southern United States: Findings From a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Black women living with HIV (WLWH) face individual and sociostructural challenges. Despite these challenges, many exemplify remarkable levels of resilience and coping. Yet, research on resilience and coping in this population is limited. Twenty Black WLWH in the Southern United States completed semi-structured interviews that explored challenges facing WLWH. We identified six themes related to resilience and coping: self-acceptance, disclosure, self-compassion, social support, will to live, and service. Of these, social support was a driving protective element and an essential component to building and sustaining resilience and coping. Women who experienced positive support often expressed a will to live as well as a desire to support other WLWH. Resilience and social support were characterized by patterns of reciprocity, in that they were mutually sustaining, stabilizing, and strengthening.

Does Resilience and Social Support Moderate the Association between Race-Related Stress Black Women’s Reports of Trauma Symptoms?

“…Fewer studies have examined the extent to which psychosocial resources or protective factors may mitigate the negative effects of race-related stress on Black women's reports of trauma symptoms. Protective factors known to facilitate coping and healing among Black women experiencing distress are resilience and social support (Kte'pi, 2022; Erving et al, 2021;Koch et al, 2022;Jones et al, 2022). Hence, the current study ascertains the extent to which resilience and social support may reduce the in uence of race-related stress on trauma symptomatology.…”

“…In addition, factors, such as racial socialization and culture-speci c coping embedded in Black/African American culture are linked to the presence of resilience making it an innate reaction (Brown & Tylka, 2011;Utsey et al, 2008). Factors identi ed as essential in Black women's resilience development and sustainment include self-acceptance, disclosure, self-compassion, social support, will to live, and service (Dale & Safren, 2019; Koch et al, 2022). Resilience is a protective factor that Black women have that may help them cope with race-related stress and trauma (Erving et al, 2021;Koch et al, 2022).…”

“…Factors identi ed as essential in Black women's resilience development and sustainment include self-acceptance, disclosure, self-compassion, social support, will to live, and service (Dale & Safren, 2019; Koch et al, 2022). Resilience is a protective factor that Black women have that may help them cope with race-related stress and trauma (Erving et al, 2021;Koch et al, 2022).…”

A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Stigma in Women Living with HIV in the United States

“…Discussion of race was similarly inherent to many of the studies that exclusively re ected on the experiences of Black women (50%) (10,12,14,15,16,20,21,28,29,30,32,34,36,38,40,41,42,43,44,45). Conversations around gender revealed prevailing stereotypes and associations with risky behaviors magni ed the stigma experienced by women.…”

“…Disclosure was a frequent source of anxiety and stress for many women. Several studies discussed the psychological distress that resulted from anxiety and fear surrounding disclosure (11,15,16,22,35,36,38,45). discussed the paradox of trying to live a life of honesty while concealing their diagnosis and the extreme stress that resulted from this inner con ict.…”