Cognitive—behavioural stress management with HIV-positive homosexual men: Mechanisms of sustained reductions in depressive symptoms Article

Carrico, AW, Antoni, MH, Weaver, KE et al. (2005). Cognitive—behavioural stress management with HIV-positive homosexual men: Mechanisms of sustained reductions in depressive symptoms . 1(3), 207-215. 10.1177/17423953050010030401

cited authors

  • Carrico, AW; Antoni, MH; Weaver, KE; Lechner, SC; Schneiderman, N

authors

abstract

  • Background: We examined the sustained efficacy of a group-based cognitive—behavioural stress management (CBSM) intervention in comparison to a modified wait-list control condition on measures of mood, coping and social support in mildly symptomatic HIV-positive homosexual and bisexual men. Participants were recruited largely during the era prior to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART; 1992—1997). Methods: Men were randomized to either a 10-week, group-based CBSM intervention (n=83) or a psycho-educational seminar group (n=46). All participants completed a battery of psychosocial questionnaires administered by a research assistant at baseline, immediately following the 10-week CBSM intervention period, and at a 6-month follow-up. Results: Men in the CBSM group maintained previously observed effects on depressive symptoms and perceived social support. These sustained effects of CBSM on depressive symptoms were mediated by 10-week increases in cognitive coping (i.e. positive reframing). Discussion: CBSM appears to be a potentially efficacious treatment that reduces and maintains lower levels of depressive symptoms and enhances social support in HIV-positive homosexual and bisexual men. In particular, changes in positive reframing during the 10-week intervention period remain a crucial factor contributing to sustained reductions in depressive symptoms. © 2005, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • January 1, 2005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 207

end page

  • 215

volume

  • 1

issue

  • 3