Social Work Honors Report

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The role of self-forgiveness and self-condemnation on people living with HIV/AIDS in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, South Africa.
(2017) Kufankomwe, MacDonald
While extensive literature has documented factors associated with HIV/AIDS, psychosocial variables associated with the health of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHs) have only begun receiving attention recently. However, the literature on the role of self-forgiveness and self-condemnation remain inconclusive. This study explores the role of self-forgiveness and self-condemnation among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, South Africa. It is timely having this study in South Africa as the country has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Biopsychosocial Model was used to examine the role of self-forgiveness and self-condemnation in PLWHs. Individual In-depth Interviews were conducted with 20 purposefully-selected candidates in Ekurhuleni. Results showed that self-forgiveness contribute in reducing spreading of HIV, promote adherence to HIV treatment and health seeking behaviour, build confidence and hope in PLWHs. Whereas Self-condemnation hinders PLWHs from accessing HIV treatment, promote risk behaviour, and induce anger, stress and depression in PLWHs. Key words: Self-forgiveness, Self-condemnation, HIV/ AIDS and PLWHs