This is a concept paper examining how older people with HIV/AIDS cope with the disease. To this end, the paper begins with an examination and definition of the general concept of coping; this examination is followed by: (1) a review of the literature on the general coping mechanisms and strategies of older adults; and (2) a review of the literature on the specific coping mechanisms and strategies used by older adults to cope with HIV/AIDS. The reviewed literature in both categories is then critiqued from the perspective of their characterization of coping.
Following this critique is a discussion of the relevance of the concept of coping for older people and an investigation of variables affecting the coping abilities of older adults. The final section of the paper examines the role of the nurse in helping older adults cope with HIV/AIDS.
In order to understand the concept of coping and the ways in which it is used in the literature on older people in general and older people with HIV/AIDS in particular, it is first necessary to understand the notion of stress. Stress, according to Sue, Sue and Sue (1994), is commonly defined as an internal response to external stimuli or situations that act as stressors (elicitors of the stress response). When stress occurs, the body reacts immediately with a number of physical changes. These include changes in heart beat, muscle tone, blood pressure, temperature, and so forth.
Stressors (stimuli/situations that elicit the stress response) can vary in type. According to Sue, Sue and Sue (1994), stressors can be biophysical such as infection, physical trauma, disease, malnutrition or fatigue. There are also psychological stressors such as threats of physical harm, attacks on self-esteem, and guilt-inducing attacks on one's belief system. Finally, there are social/environmental stressors such as natural disasters, crowding, excessive noise, economic pressures and war.
Accordin...