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Journal of Black Psychology, Vol. 29, No. 1, 17-37 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0095798402239227

The Protective Role of the Family and Social Support Network in a Sample of Hiv-Positive African American Women: Results of a Pilot Study

Michael Robbins

José Szapocznik

University of Miami School of Medicine

Manuel Tejeda

Barry University

Deanne Samuels

Gail Ironson

Michael Antoni

University of Miami, University of Miami School of Medicine

This study examined the role of family functioning and social support in protecting HIV-positive African American women from the adverse psychological consequences associated with deterioration in their CD4 cell count. Participants were 38 African American HIV-positive women who had recently given birth. Results demonstrated that changes in CD4 cell counts were inversely predictive of psychological distress and were moderated by family functioning and social support satisfaction. Women with good family functioning were less affected by changes in their CD4 cell counts, and women with poor family functioning were more emotionally responsive to changes in CD4 cell count. Unexpectedly, women from families where conflicts tended to be clearly laid out and discussed were also more responsive to both changes in CD4 cell counts. Interventions are recommended that increase a client’s social support satisfaction, foster an adaptive level of connectedness to family, and enhance the family’s range of conflict resolution styles.

Key Words: HIV • family • social support • African American


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