Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between complementary and alternative medicine use, perceived control over one’s HIV, coping, and adjustment. HIV + African American and Caucasian males (N=73) completed the following measures: the Stress Appraisal Measure, the COPE, the BSI, and the Alternative Medicines Checklist. After controlling for ethnicity and time since seroconversion notification, complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) use related to high perceptions of control and a high level of adaptive coping behaviors. Furthermore, other stress appraisals (e.g., challenge, other’s control, and uncontrollability) predicted a significant amount of variance in the use of complimentary and alternative medicines. Adjustment did not predict CAM use. The significance of CAM as adaptive coping behaviors and the possible implications for survival are important points for discussion.
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Suarez, T., Reese, F.L. Alternative medicine use, perceived control, coping, and adjustment in African American and Caucasian males living with HIV and AIDS. Int J Rehab Health 3, 107–118 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02806724
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02806724