Profiles of HIV/AIDS stigma and psychological well-being in relation to embodiment among people living with HIV.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine how profiles of perceived HIV/AIDS stigma and psychological well-being (PWB)-defined by positive/negative affect, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life-relate to embodiment among people living with HIV (PLWH). It also explored the role of minority stress, particularly among sexual minorities, in shaping these experiences.

METHODS

A total of 540 PLWH completed validated measures of HIV/AIDS stigma, psychological well-being, embodiment, and minority stress. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups based on levels of stigma, PWB, and minority stress. Multivariate analyses examined differences in embodiment indicators across profiles, controlling for sociodemographic and medical variables.

RESULTS

Three distinct profiles emerged: (1) high stigma and low PWB,(2) low stigma and high PWB, and (3) average levels of all indicators. Embodiment levels differed significantly across profiles: Profile 2 showed the highest levels of positive embodiment, while Profile 1 reported the lowest. Minority stress was significantly higher in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) participants in Profile 1, supporting the concept of stigma accumulation.

CONCLUSION

PLWH are a heterogeneous group with varying experiences of stigma, well-being, and embodiment. Greater psychological well-being and lower perceived stigma are associated with higher embodiment. LGBT PLWH face compounded minority stress, further impacting their embodiment and well-being. Findings highlight the importance of personcentered, intersectional approaches in stigma-reduction and mental health interventions for PLWH.