中華心理衛生協會

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of HIV infection on the intimate relationships of 18 gays and their reactions to the impact. Following an informed consent procedure, in-depth interviews were conducted, taperecorded and transcribed verbatim to maintain data integrity and to reduce perceptual bias. Interview data were analyzed with constant comparative method. Three themes emerged from the data including participants’ perception of intimate relationships, the dilemma of social morality and self-limitation after HIV infection and the swings between renouncing and embracing their intimate relationships. The results of this study served as the basis for clinicians to further understand the intimate relationships of gay men with HIV/AIDS. Well-prepared clinicians could facilitate their adaptation toward the impact of the HIV illness on their intimate relationships with psychotherapy.