1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«Considering that few studies have taken into account the perspective of youth with PAHIV [perinatally acquired HIV], this study aims to explore how family, secrecy and silence contribute to the adoption of stigma management strategies.» (p. 2684)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’étude est basée sur la participation de 14 jeunes (7 femmes) vivant avec le VIH depuis la naissance. Les participants ont été recrutés à Montréal.

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«The present analysis sheds light on two trajectories of stigma management in which some youth experienced a consolidation of emotional ties between family members, and others, a weakening or a dissolution of family relationships. [First], the consolidation trajectory represents a gradual transition from a tense family situation marked by silence, to the strengthening of family ties. It seems that, combined with favorable family conditions, silence could gradually be replaced by dialogue. Youth with PAHIV who are situated on the consolidation trajectory seem to have diversified their stigma management strategies. These involve sharing their experience as well as developing complicity and a mutually supportive relationship with an HIV-infected family member, most often, their mother. These new strategies appear to have developed communally within the family environment and suggest that silence dissipated with time, which can be seen as a transition in youth with a PAHIV life course. […] The second trajectory suggests that family ties weaken or dissolve due to a variety of events that were significant for some youth with PAHIV. These events act as a turning point that resulted in family tie dissolution (e.g. parental deaths) for some, and the weakening of family relationships (e.g. emotional distancing from parents), for others. When family conditions place youth in a vulnerable situation and when they experience many difficult significant events, silence seems to amplify frustration and isolation.» (p. 2690)