Repetitive Negative Thinking and HIV: A Review of Literature
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) can be defined as thinking about one’s problems in a way that is difficult to control. RNT includes constructs such as rumination (thinking about the past) and worry (thinking about the future). In academic literature, RNT has been established as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression; further, said psychiatric disorders have been established as more prevalent in HIV+ individuals. However, the direct correlations between RNT and HIV have not been widely studied, as well as if and how RNT could mediate the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms in HIV+ individuals. This project aimed to develop a full-length literature review that discusses the current body of knowledge surrounding the relationships between the constructs of RNT and other psychological constructs and how they are present in HIV+ individuals. In compiling and analyzing articles, many significant findings were identified that are included in the review. With this information, we aim to set up the context of our proposed pilot study, which will collect data regarding RNT, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and medication adherence in HIV+ individuals.
Comments
This is really interesting…
This is really interesting. Did populations differences within people who are HIV+ come up? I'm wondering if there is correlation with greater mental health challenges amongst LGBTQ populations already, due to societal dangers/pressures and other difficulties associated with being in a minority group. I'm also curious if you gained any insight into if worrying is bad for physical health (ie: lowers the already-low immunity of a patient).
Historical trends + stigma
Hey Brian, this is a super interesting topic! In light of this research, I'd be curious to see whether the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic correlated with a spike in mental health problems (though this may be difficult to ascertain due to the lack of research and reporting on mental health, especially in earlier decades). Related research may examine the link, if any, between stigma towards HIV and mental health challenges respectively, particularly in affected communities.
RNT and medication adherence
The point about how mental illnesses or health issues such as anxiety, depression or RNT can affect medication adherence is extremely interesting. For chronic disease like HIV, it seems like it can create a vicious cycle of mental health issues which reduce medication adherence and thereby worsen the illness and stress.
Love the project!
This is a really interesting connection that the mental wellbeing of HIV+ patients affect medication adherence. I really hope that this encourages further research to create interventions that could address and put more emphasis on the mental health of HIV+ individuals and even those with chronic conditions!
I wonder how the data…
I wonder how the data linking mental health and HIV+ individuals can be further broken down by race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. and how those aspects of their identity adds to the problems identified in your work. Extremely interesting poster!
Brian this is a great…
Brian this is a great project that really makes apparent how strong of a factor mental health is for those with HIV. I wonder what wider-ranging implication your research here might have, especially when it comes to those with other chronic illnesses.