An exploration of stigmatisation relating to the terms used to refer to HIV and AIDS amongst women in a rural area in the Eastern Cape.
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis explores the terms used by women in a rural area of the Eastern Cape Province to
reference HIV/AIDS. Exploring whether these terms are stigmatising and investigating and
describing how they are stigmatising is at the heart of this study. Stigma is a barrier to HIV/AIDS
related public health interventions. In order to understand HIV/AIDS stigma, this study considers
the complex social and psychological processes that underpin the construction of HIV/AIDS stigma
through an examination of the terms used to refer to HIV/AIDS. This project employs a qualitative
research design and draws on an existing NRF Thuthuka project on sexual health, sexual risk
behaviours and HIV. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample a total of 36 transcripts
collected from interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyse the
data. The findings of this study suggest that HIV/AIDS related fear propels an ‘othering’ response, a
necessary psychological coping mechanism in the face of the overwhelming threat HIV/AIDS
represents. This is fundamental to the generation and perpetuation of stigma. Cognisance of these
processes is essential in rendering HIV/AIDS interventions increasingly effective.
Description
Master of Social Science in Clinical Psychology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2016.
Keywords
AIDS (Disease)--Social aspects--South Africa--Eastern Cape., HIV (Viruses)--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Psychological aspects., Stigma (Social psychology)--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Psychological aspects., Discrimination., Theses--Clinical psychology., Social stigma.