The impact of Positive Behaviour Therapy on mental health in institutionalized PLHIV

People living with HIV (PLHIV) in institutional settings often experience elevated psychological distress due to chronic illness, stigma, and social isolation. This study examined the effectiveness of Positive Behavior Therapy (PBT) in reducing psychological distress and affective disturbances among institutionalized PLHIV. Seventy-five participants aged 19–60 years received an eight-week structured PBT intervention using a pre—post research design. Psychological distress and affect were assessed using standardized measures. Results indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and negative affect following the intervention, while positive affect remained stable. Male participants reported higher post-intervention depression than females, suggesting the need for gender-sensitive approaches. The findings support PBT as an effective, holistic intervention grounded in cognitive-behavioral and positive psychology principles. However, the absence of a control group, reliance on self-report measures, and lack of follow-up limit causal conclusions and long-term interpretation. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the importance of integrating structured psychological interventions like PBT into institutional HIV care to enhance mental health and overall well-being.