The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of changes that take place in surviving HIVpositive spouses’ explanations of themselves in relation to their acquired positive status, and in
relation to the role that forgiveness may play, all through Hermans’ theory of dialogical self in
the self-identity reconstruction process. The interpretive qualitative paradigm was used, along
with a phenomenological research design. Research was carried out in a rural area of Gwanda
South Constituency in Zimbabwe. Homogenous purposive sampling was used to select five HIVpositive widows and five HIV-positive widowers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used
and thematic, narrative and interpretive phenomenological analyses were employed to analyse
the data. The results showed that the surviving HIV-positive spouses faced a plethora of
challenges following the deaths of their partners. Identified key relations to the reconstruction of
a new self were found to be: a good knowledge of HIV; being at peace with the past self;
forgiveness of self; and reconciliation with what has happened. These were found to be good
ingredients for quick recovery and self-identity reconstruction. Significant others play an
important role in self-identity reconstruction as they offer an environment that is supportive of
HIV disclosure, thereby reducing the occurrence of stigma and discrimination. The study
recommends that HIV activists and all education systems that are involved in the HIV campaigns
in Gwanda South Constituency incorporate teachings about and awareness of forgiveness,
reconciliation, stigma and discrimination at all levels of their education efforts and campaigns. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/26933 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Maphosa, Sibangilizwe |
| Contributors | Segalo, Puleng J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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