Dynamics of Hope in HIV/AIDS Affected People: An Exploration of Significant Others’ Experiences

Hope is an important protective phenomenon in human life, particularly given that long-lasting despair or hopelessness may threaten human existence. However, previous knowledge on the topic related to people affected by HIV/AIDS is scant. The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of hope in significant others of people living with HIV/AIDS and persons living with HIV (PLWH) or AIDS (PLWA) from the perspective of significant others in Finland. Eleven interviews were conducted with six significant others. The data were analyzed using the grounded theory method. The dynamics of hope, as it emerged from the data, is constructed of three main elements: hope, despair, hopelessness, and their reciprocal relationships. An alternating balance between hope, despair, and hopelessness based on the factors contributing to them emerged as central in the dynamics of hope. The dynamics of hope are closely connected to the basic process of searching for one’s own way with HIV/AIDS, in becoming HIV-positive, and living with HIV/AIDS. In significant others, the dynamics of hope are closely connected to the basic process of HIV, changing from abstract to concrete in a relationship with a PLWH/PLWA.