NCJ Number
113837
Journal
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 237-251
Date Published
1988
Length
15 pages
Annotation
As the AIDS epidemic continues to spread throughout Australia, the incidence of infection is moving from the major risk group of middle-aged homosexual men to involve bisexual men, women, and youth.
Abstract
The Albion Street Centre, a screening clinic for the AIDS virus, provides medical management and psychosocial services to infected youth. Support groups for AIDS patients are particularly important because AIDS is a socially stigmatizing and isolating illness. For youth, the stress and anxiety related to a diagnosis of AIDS is compounded by the developmental tasks of adolescence -- the development of identity and the establishment of intimacy. Following medical assessment at the clinic, youth are referred to a counselor who evaluates the clients' social support network and decides if the youth should receive individual or group counseling. Youth deemed suitable for the group are those experiencing the common reactions to diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. The group's goals include providing support and accurate information to minimize the chance of infecting others. The group is open, and the majority of clients generally attend six 2-hour sessions. All members are homosexual males, 18 to 24 years old. In addition to providing clients with an opportunity to express their concerns, information is provided on safe sexual behavior, nutrition, stress management, and modifying substance abuse. Group participation provides clients with support and enables them to deal more pragmatically with their problems. 27 references.