A Transactional Ecosystems Framework of HIV Positive Fathers' Perceptions of their Children's Psychosocial and Health Needs: Implications for Family and School-Focused Therapeutic Interventions for Children Affected by HIV

Soye Zaid-Muhammad, Pace University

Abstract

The current doctoral project analyzed archival data from a larger NIMH-funded study, entitled the Family Access to Care Study (FACS), to examine a subsample of its participants, in order to determine links between ecosystems affecting HIV-positive fathers and their concerns regarding factors affecting their children. A sub-sample of 143 HIV+ fathers, mostly of African American descent was examined, from the theoretical perspective, to determine the degree to which their ecosystems interacted with those of their children. Using this paradigm, fathers' life experiences, participation in HIV-related services, and current systems were expected to predict concerns regarding outcomes for their children. Chi-square analyses and logistic regression models were used to discern these predictions. Findings revealed significant relationship between HIV+ fathers' income levels and concerns regarding their children's learning abilities. In addition, fathers' years with HIV predicted concerns regarding medical problems or injury, concerns regarding disclosing HIV status to their children, and concerns regarding keeping HIV status hidden from their children. HIV+ fathers' past negative feelings predicted concerns regarding emotional and behavioral problems in the home and school settings. Finally, fathers' utility of HIV-related mental health services also predicted d concerns regarding their children's substance use. Implications for transactional ecosystem-based interventions were discussed.

Subject Area

Educational psychology|Clinical psychology

Recommended Citation

Zaid-Muhammad, Soye, "A Transactional Ecosystems Framework of HIV Positive Fathers' Perceptions of their Children's Psychosocial and Health Needs: Implications for Family and School-Focused Therapeutic Interventions for Children Affected by HIV" (2010). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3436598.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3436598

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