Conceptualisation of the body for people living with HIV: Issues of touch and contamination

Abstract

This article outlines the main findings from an in-depth analysis of the body and touch for people living with HIV. The study used a specialised HIV body image chart and a questionnaire that assessed different aspects of touch interactions. Results, in a longitudinal design, showed that the 18 HIV-positive participants perceived their bodies more negatively than the 15 HIV-negative supporters (control group). Participants in the HIV-positive group also expressed a greater desire for more physical contact than participants in the control group. Comparisons between 'the body now' and 'the body before HIV showed up significant differences on the construct that assessed feelings of contamination. This construct was also significant in comparisons between HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups. These findings are interpreted through discussions of stigma, the internalisation of widespread negative representations of the HIV-positive body and untouchability.