Discussion

Abstract

The major aim of this research project was to examine how PLWHA experience their illness and in which ways HIV becomes a part of one’s biography. I examined under what conditions trajectories of suffering could be overcome and what types of biographical action schemes were related to coping with HIV. PLWHA in both Frankfurt and Miami emphasized the importance of the social context of their diagnosis and the mode of HIV transmission as contextual conditions, which framed their HIV experiences. HIV became a meaningful part of participants’ biographies, fundamentally altering their conceptions of HIV, mortality, self, truth, and the spiritual. The acceptance of a new life with HIV was contextualized by biographical experience. For those who could clearly identify the cause of their HIV infection, whose social positions were most consistent with prevailing conceptions of HIV, and who felt responsible for HIV transmission appeared to more readily come to terms with their HIV infection. HIV specialist care, medical insurance coverage for treatment, and access to HIV medication were highly valued by participants and were important aspects of their HIV treatment, facilitating coping with HIV and improving quality of life.