Intimacy Uncertainty and HIV-Negative Gay Men With an HIV-Positive Romantic Partner

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Abstract

In close relationships, serious illness is frequently identified as a source of relational uncertainty. While chronically ill patients experience the disruptive effects of illness, their partners must also contend with the daily effects of an illness that they themselves do not have. In the case of HIV, the infectious and stigmatized nature of the disease serve to be additional sources of stress in an already-stressful situation for the HIV patients and their romantic partners. Because of this, the present study was designed to explore the sources of uncertainty and the related functions of HIV and uncertainty within gay, male serodiscordant relationships. Nine HIV-negative gay men with an HIV-positive partner were recruited to participate in intensive, semi-structured interviews. Results identify intimacy-related uncertainties as a primary source of relational uncertainty among these men, and HIV functions as an intimacy regulator slowing the progression of intimacy, disrupting existing relational norms, and sowing doubt about commitment and mutuality within the relationship. Theoretical implications for relational communication are discussed, and a definition of intimacy uncertainty.

Author

• Scott Eldredge, Western Carolina U