Advisor(s)
Robert Sorge
Committee Member(s)
Burel Goodin
Dustin Long
Myles Moody
Olivio Clay
Shameka Cody
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Psychology
Date of Award
9-9-2024
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk for experiencing not only discrimination, but the adverse health outcomes that are related to discrimination. Specifically, studies have identified direct relationships between HIV, discrimination and substance use, pain, poor sleep (e.g. insomnia symptoms) and depression. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the relationships between discrimination, stress, experimental pain sensitivity, mood and substance abuse. We used various questionnaires to measure mood and health behavior. Lastly, participants underwent a series of pain experiments to measure group differences in experimental pain sensitivity. We found group differences in cortisol levels (p = .031) and perceived stress (p = .043), and associations between discrimination, stress (p < .001) and heightened vigilance (p < .001) in HIV+ and HIV- groups. Discrimination predicted lower heat pain thresholds (b = -.158, p = .030) and tolerance (b = -.102, p = .024). Perceived stress predicted higher pain ratings during Cold Pressor Task (b = 1.106, p = .023) and the Von Frey task (b = -1.047, p = .030). Heightened vigilance (b = .248, p = .001), insomnia (b = 2.649, p < .001) and lower income (b = -.261, p = .006) predicted greater total use. This finding was specific to HIV+ individuals. Lastly, vigilance predicted greater drug abuse in the HIV- group (b = .128, p = .013). In summary, the effects of discrimination and vigilance on pain and substance use are potent regardless of HIV status. Future research will focus on implementing interventions for substance use and pain in both HIV+ and HIV- individuals.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Hobson, Joanna, "Experiences Of Discrimination And Stress In People With And Without Hiv: Associations With Experimental Pain Sensitivity And Substance Use" (2024). All ETDs from UAB. 7566.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7566
