HIV diagnosis and identity processes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in London, Athens, and New York

Abstract

Given the advent of highly effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition. However, the social, psychological and indeed physical aspects of living with HIV can be challenging. In this research note, the social psychological aspects of HIV diagnosis are discussed in the contexts of three cities – London, Athens and New York – in which men who have sex with men (MSM) face particular inequalities vis-à-vis HIV. It is argued that identity process theory from social psychology can offer particularly fruitful insights into the social psychological implications of HIV diagnosis and that the theory can help inform psychological and behavioural interventions for MSM diagnosed with HIV. This research note provides basic surveillance data for the three city contexts and reviews key literature in the area of HIV psychology from the perspective of identity process theory. Some testable hypotheses are developed on the basis of existing research and theory concerning HIV.