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You can spend your life dying or you can spend your life living : identity transition in people who are HIV-positive

journal contribution
posted on 2010-01-01, 00:00 authored by Y Tsarenko, Michael PolonskyMichael Polonsky
This article examines, through the lenses of HIV-positive people, the unique phenomenon of identity transition. This research proposes that life-changing illnesses, such as HIV, are an undesired 'possession' that people accept to varying degrees, which we refer to as 'ownership'. While illnesses, such as HIV compel individuals to undergo a transformation process that usually begins with a deep feeling of detachment, and then proceeds to acceptance of their illness, and to feeling empowered and in control of their HIV status and lives, this process is very complex and non-linear as it involves many iterative progressions in identity transition. These transitions are highly individualistic; however, the underlying theme is that the more positive trajectories were those of people who focus on their new lives, living with HIV (i.e. taking ownership of their illness), rather than focusing on what they have lost when they became HIV-positive. The findings demonstrate that identity transition is a result of the ways that individuals rework, negotiate and transform their roles, actions and behaviours through their active engagement with support mechanisms. This study suggests that it is vital to promote positive interactions with support mechanisms to ensure that those with HIV view themselves positively.

History

Journal

Psychology & health

Volume

26

Issue

4

Pagination

465 - 483

Publisher

Routledge

Location

Oxon, England

ISSN

0887-0446

eISSN

1476-8321

Language

eng

Notes

First published online: 12 Oct 2010

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2010, Taylor & Francis