Abstract
D.Phil.
This thesis presents an intervention programme that aims to facilitate
anger-expression and takes psychosocial and immunological variables into
account. The present research argues that if the effects of the programme
are validated, similar programmes may yield similar benefits for other
participants in future intervention programmes in a South African context.
The nature, course and effects of the HIV disease are described and include
specific processes and mechanisms of influence in physical, mental and
social terms. Biological processes that result from immunological deficiencies
causing AIDS are analyzed and an explication of disease progression is
offered. Psychological and social aspects related to immune-system deterioration carry implications for patients and influence their prognosis.
The research was conducted in the context of a biopsychosocial
conceptualization and was aimed at reducing levels of anger and helping
establish recourses in the patients to manage infection and disease, as well
as improve or at least retard decrements in immunological functioning.
The goal of this intervention programme was to reduce levels of anger,
anxiety, depression and social isolation. This would in turn increase the
participant's personal sense of self-control, self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Changes in these factors would help retard the overall HIV disease
progression. An intervention programme was tailored to address the specific
needs of HIV- infected patients. The group intervention was focused in such
a way that relevant psychological, behavioural and social aspects were
addressed. The programme borrowed and used aspects of different models
and reformulated an intervention that would best address the specific needs
of the participants. It was possible to isolate specific problems and focus the
intervention on these specific areas, such as depression, anger, social
isolation and hopelessness. For example, it was possible to take into account
the participants' low self-efficacy and problems related to a lack of
interpersonal coping skills and develop the participants' confidence and
assertiveness (Antoni, 1991)