Barton-Ilic, Tiarn E. P (2024) “I’m HIV Positive, and Living a Positive Life”: How HIV Stigma impacts Queensland People Living with HIV. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
HIV has been a significant public health concern since its emergence in the 1980s, prompting extensive medical research and development. Despite these advancements, societal attitudes have not evolved at the same pace, resulting in persistent discrimination and stigma against individuals living with HIV. This study investigates the lived experiences of people with HIV, focusing on how stigma impacts their daily lives and overall well-being. By conducting a thematic analysis of nine interviews collected in 2023 by peer-led, communitybased organisation Queensland Positive People, this research reveals insights into the complexities of living with HIV in a stigmatised context. The analysis identified several key themes that characterise the experiences of interview participants. The four themes extracted were: ‘I am HIV positive, and living a positive life’; ‘difficulties of life with HIV’; ‘experience with HIV stigma’; and ‘overcoming HIV stigma’. The experiences shared by participants highlight the urgent need for education and awareness to dismantle misconceptions about HIV. By amplifying the voices of those living with HIV and showcasing their positive lives, this research contributes to a broader understanding of HIV from the perspective of those who are positive and thriving. It also aims to inform general society via challenging and correcting misconceptions surrounding HIV.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Daken, Kirstie |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jan 2026 00:17 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jan 2026 00:17 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | HIV, HIV stigma, PLHIV, barriers, WLHIV |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520303 Counselling psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53074 |
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