Predictors of Trauma Symptoms in Adults Living with HIV: The Role of Social Connectedness and Sexual Orientation

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has claimed over 740,000 lives in the United States since the 1980s, and further brought a host of mental health concerns, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), primarily brought on by the discrimination and stigma felt by people living with HIV (PLWHA). Social connectedness may serve as a buffer to the trauma often felt by PLWHA. However, rejection and discrimination can limit access to this needed support, especially for sexual minorities living with HIV. The present study (N = 396) examined relationships between social connectedness, trauma symptoms, and sexual orientation for PLWHA. Results showed that social connectedness was a significant predictor of trauma symptoms within the sample, while sexual orientation did not hold a significant relationship with these symptoms. Clinical implications for professional counselors are discussed.