There is limited knowledge on the psychosocial implications of HIV/AIDS in serodiscordant heterosexual couples in sub-Saharan Africa. Several studies have indicated that there is an increase in the number of such couples on the African continent, yet there are minimal or no services offered to support such couples. The aim of the study was to explore the psychosocial challenges faced by heterosexual serodiscordant couples who were married. Ecosystems and biopsychosocial approaches were used as a framework to guide the study. A qualitative study was conducted in Durban, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used, comprising of four married couples and two individuals who were married but participated individually and not as a couple. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken. Both inductive and deductive approaches were carried out to analyse interview transcripts. None of the participants had received satisfactory explanations of their serodiscordant results. The discovery of serodiscordance resulted in difficulties with disclosure to families and children, maintaining safer sex, achieving intimacy due to lack of communication and bearing children due to fears associated with infection. Serodiscordance resulted in positive partners constantly fearing that their negative partners would leave them. Participants in discordant relationships had difficulties dealing with the changes that discordance brought into their lives. This resulted in enormous stress in their relationships including feelings of isolation, confusion and despair. Acceptance of serodiscordant status and support from family members were positive coping mechanisms used by discordant couples to alleviate stress. Avoidance was a negative coping mechanism used by some couples in dealing with the challenges of discordance. Factors contributing to the negative participants remaining in the relationship included love and companionship, children, commitment to the relationship and acknowledgement of the existence of HIV. The findings also indicated that none of the participants received on-going counseling and there were no programs catering for serodiscordant couples. This study supports the view of other researchers who believe that there is a dire need for service provision for serodiscordant couples. Based on the findings of this study, micro, mezzo and macro intervention strategies are recommended. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

The psychological well-being of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and spouses was investigated from a dyadic perspective. The responses of patients and spouses from five groups of couples--illustrating different points in the progression and treatment of ESRD--were compared both across ESRD groups and between patients and spouses. It was hypothesized that those ESRD groups with the highest levels of illness/treatment intrusiveness, i.e. the two dialysis groups, would exhibit the highest levels of marital role strain and concomitantly the lowest levels of psychological well-being. Despite the fact that the ESRD groups did reflect differences in perceived illness/treatment intrusiveness, no significant differences were found between the ESRD groups, or between patients and spouses, in either marital relations or psychological well-being. However, multiple regression analyses did indicate that marital role strain was a significant predictor of psychological well-being. It explained psychological well-being variance above and beyond demographic, physical health, ESRD group membership and psychological defensiveness considerations. Also, the two dialysis groups evidenced significantly greater correlations between marital role strain and psychological distress than the nondialysis groups. These findings were interpreted as being consistent with a General Systems Theory approach to the conceptualization and treatment of chronic illness.

Thesis project (D. Min.)--Denver Seminary, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 277-290).

Thesis (M.A.)--Lancaster Bible College, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-65).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2008. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-151).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2009. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 160 p. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-121).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-160). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2009. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed June 16, 2009). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-113).

Thesis (M.A.)--Kent State University, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Apr. 9, 2008). Advisor: Mary Ann P. Stephens. Keywords: social control, diabetes, health. Includes bibliographical references (p. 33-36).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.