Psychosocial reactions of persons with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The psychosocial impact of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on patients follows the situational distress model of crisis, transitional state, and deficiency state. Repeated crises in AIDS modify this reaction, and patients may experience a final adjustment, the preparation for death. Additional psychosocial problems are caused by the intensified prejudice against homosexual men and drug addicts. Society itself has been disrupted by the new information about sexual behavior that has been brought to light by AIDS, indicating that primitive sexual taboos still influence modern society. Understanding the various psychosocial reactions to AIDS offers opportunities for social progress and personal growth.