A longitudinal analysis of posttraumatic growth and affective well-being among people living with HIV: The moderating role of received and provided social support

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this one-year longitudinal study was to examine the temporal relationship between the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and affective well-being, measured by the presence of positive and negative affect among people living with the HIV (PLWH). In addition, the moderating effects of received and provided support with respect to the above-mentioned relationship were investigated. Method Study participants completed the following psychometric inventories: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-X), and the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Three assessments were performed: 129 patients were recruited for the first assessment, 106 patients agreed to participate in the second assessment, and 82 of the initial 129 participants (63.6%) participated in all three assessments. Results An indirect association between PTG and positive affect was observed. However, no association was found between PTG and negative affect. Received support, but not provided support, completely moderated the relationship between PTG and positive affect. Conclusions This study adds to the literature by examining the temporal relationship between PTG and affective-wellbeing among PLWH. It appears from the results that in this patient group, PTG may enhance the positive affect over time. However, receiving support is vital in this process.