Stigmatizing Attitudes of the Helping Professions toward HIV/AIDS and the Detrimental Effects of Stigma on Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on HIV stigma categorizing and conceptualizing stigma and identifying what makes it different from other forms of stigma. It discusses the effects that stigma has on the people living with HIV and the barriers it creates to care and prevention. It reviews the attitudes of students and professionals in the helping field primarily nurses and social workers. The literature discussed in this thesis suggests factors that contribute to stigma, as well as interventions that may be successful in diminishing stigmatizing attitudes among students and helping professionals; further addressing gaps in present research about HIV stigma.