Hiv and Human Being: an Existential-phenomenological Study into the Experiences of Gay men Diagnosed with Hiv

Few studies of psychological adaptation to an HIV+ diagnosis have inquired into its existential dimension. Existentialism contributes valuable insights into human experience without pathologising that experience. In this research study, the life experiences of six HIV+ gay men were explored using semi-structured in-depth interviews incorporating Focusing, a form of intensive self-reflection. The transcripts of these sessions were analysed phenomenologically and the results compared to previous studies as well as to the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. The question is posed as to whether the existential insights of HIV+ gay men can teach us all something about the structure of our lives.