The relationship of stressful life events, health status and stress-resistance resources in persons with AIDS.

Depression and hopelessness are major problems in persons with AIDS (PWAs). This study provides a paradigm for viewing these mental health states as outcomes that are dependent on stressors, physical health states, and stress-resistance resources. The sample consisted of 30 male, English-speaking PWAs with stage IV AIDS. A significant positive relationship was found between negative life events and the measure of depression, and number of complications and depression. Satisfaction with social support, intrapersonal hope, and global hope were all significantly, negatively associated with hopelessness. The findings support the importance of stress-resistance resources in promoting mental health in PWAs.