Perceived stressors and coping responses in persons with recurrent genital herpes

Abstract

This descriptive study was designed to examine the disease experience of persons who have genital herpes by identifying the nature and frequency of disease-related stressors and coping responses associated with these stressors. Participants were 34 women and 26 men who were on average 5.3 years postdiagnosis, and experienced a mean of 6.4 recurrences per year. Respondents reported a wide range of disease-related stressors (M = 7). The category of stressors identified most often was related to disease consequences (73.9%), and included difficulty with intimate relationships, difficulty with relationships involving family and friends, fear of transmission through both sexual activity and casual contact, and concern about negative effect on health. Respondents tended to use active coping, planning, and acceptance more often than passive strategies such as denial. Implications for clinical assessment and intervention are discussed.

Gender Differences for the Predictors of Depression in Young Adults with Genital Herpes

“…Keeping secrets from strangers also resulted in increased depression in men. These findings are consistent with previous studies that report the lack of disclosure of one's diagnosis due to the stigma attached to this disease ( Keller et al, 1991; Swanson & Chenitz, 1993).…”

“…Anger and hostility are mood states directed toward the person who gave them the disease ( Keller, Jadack, & Mims, 1991; Mindel, 1996; Swanson & Chenitz, 1993), and directed toward the health professional who diagnosed them (often following a series of misdiagnoses) ( Swanson & Chenitz, 1993). People diagnosed with genital herpes are often angry and have blamed themselves for contracting the disease ( Swanson & Chenitz, 1993).…”

“…Nevertheless, the results of these initial studies suggest that stress and emotional factors play some role in the disease process. With the possibility of asymptomatic shedding, the need to disclose their disease to all prospective sexual partners, and to practice lifelong safer sex, feelings of isolation and depression may continue despite controlling of symptoms ( Keller et al, 1991). It is therefore necessary to examine the factors that predict depression, and to develop sensitive and relevant interventions based on this knowledge.…”

Psychosocial impact of serological diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 2: a qualitative assessment

“…Although previous research has identified psychosocial morbidity associated with HSV-2, it has focused specifically on individuals with symptomatic recurrences. [4][5][6] Only one published quantitative study has explored the psychosocial impact of HSV-2 diagnosis in asymptomatic individuals. 7 The current study was designed to assess qualitatively emotional and psychosocial responses to a diagnosis of HSV-2 infection based on results of a serological test in asymptomatic individuals and to provide a framework for counselling delivered in clinical settings.…”

Effects of psycho‐educational interventions on sexual health risks and psycho‐social adaptation in young adults with genital herpes

“…The biopsychosocial burden often experienced by people living with symptomatic genital herpes has been well documented ( Keller et al 1991, Swanson & Chenitz 1993, Mindel 1996, Peto & Juel‐Jensen 1996). To alleviate the physical and psychological pain and to improve quality of life, early studies examined psycho‐social support for individuals ( Gould & Tissler 1984), couples ( Drob & Bernard 1985) and groups ( Drob & Bernard 1986, Longo et al 1988 , McLarnon & Kaloupek 1988).…”