Effects of Stigma on the Use of Spirituality by Older Black Men Living with HIV PDF
Preview Effects of Stigma on the Use of Spirituality by Older Black Men Living with HIV
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Efects of Stigma on the Use of Spirituality by Older Black Men Living with HIV Warren Lee Miller Walden University Follow this and additional works at: htps://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Religion Commons, and the Social Work Commons Tis Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral study by Warren Miller has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Scott Hershberger, Committee Chairperson, Social Work and Human Services Faculty Dr. Douglas Crews, Committee Member, Social Work and Human Services Faculty Dr. Alice Yick, University Reviewer, Social Work and Human Services Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Effects of Stigma on the Use of Spirituality by Older Black Men Living with HIV by Warren L. Miller MSW, Howard University, 2009 BSW, Lamar University, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillmen t of the Requirements for the Degree o f Doctor of Philosophy Social Work Walden University May 2018 Abstract Previous research on HIV stigma and the use of spirituality by people living with HIV/AIDS is scarce. Moreover, the research with older Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) is scant. The focus of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of BMSM living with HIV aged 50 and older with encounters of HIV stigma on the use of spirituality. The research questions were designed to explore the lived experiences of aging, HIV stigma, and spirituality. Conceptually, this study was framed within the minority stress theory and the HIV stigma framework. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, which provided detailed descriptions of the participants’ experiences and created a basis for analysis. Ten participants from an HIV service organization in the Mid-Atlantic United States were selected for participation. Semi-structured interviews were digitally recorded, and data were coded and thematized using a modified vam Kaam data analysis method, which lead to the disclosure of 8 critical themes that illuminated the participants’ lived experiences of living with HIV, aging, stigma, and spirituality. Older BMSM identified stigma as a stressor that reinforced the use of their spirituality. The results of this study may provide social workers, community organizations, and policymakers with data that inform a deeper understanding of the challenges older BMSM face due to HIV stigma. This study contributes to positive social change by providing practical information for social workers to inform intervention strategies that might reduce stigma and increase coping resources. Effects of Stigma on the Use of Spirituality by Older Black Men Living with HIV by Warren L. Miller MSW, Howard University, 2009 BSW, Lamar University, 2008 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillmen t of the Requirements for the Degree o f Doctor of Philosophy Social Work Walden University May 2018 Dedication I dedicate this study to all of those who have been and still are gatekeepers to the knowledge of the matter of HIV, young and older. Your courage, perseverance, and brazenness are encouraging. Most importantly, I dedicate this to the 10 participants who decided to share their stories and lived experiences with me on such a personal topic. Lastly, I dedicate this to my Nanny, Gloria, whose love and regard allowed me to stay the course during tough times. Acknowledgments “Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” —Susan Gale Firstly, I would like to thank my God, for which none of this would be possible. Deciding to embark on a doctoral journey is no small feat. One becomes increasingly self-aware and faces many areas of growth. So, I pat myself on the back for the courage to take this journey. I would like to acknowledge my family and friends who have been essential to this process from support, praise, encouragement, talks, and love. To my tribe, thank you for putting up with the unique challenges that come with having a family member/friend in a doctoral program. Secondly, I would like to thank everyone who has had a positive and negative impact in my life because, without you, I would not know how far I could stretch my intellect and grow. I give special thanks and acknowledgments to my committee members. To my chair, Dr. Scott Hershberger, thank you for being so responsive, supportive, and encouraging during this process. To my committee members, Dr. Douglas Crews and Dr. Alice Yick, thank you both for being members of my team and helping me stretch my analytical skills. Your expertise, interest, and feedback h ave played a vital role in the completion of this project. Lastly, I would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Yaphet Bryant. Thank you for your coaching and perspective. Your friendship and expertis e are beneficial and rewarding. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................2 HIV and BMSM in the District of Columbia ......................................................... 4 Spirituality, HIV, and Social Work......................................................................... 5 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................7 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................8 Research Questions ........................................................................................................9 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................10 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................10 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................12 Definitions of Terms ....................................................................................................13 Assumptions, Scope and Delimitations, and Limitations ............................................15 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 15 Scope and Delimitations ....................................................................................... 16 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 16 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................17 Significance to the Social Work Profession and Practice ..................................... 18 Implications for Social Change ....................................................................................19 i Summary ......................................................................................................................20 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................21 Introduction ..................................................................................................................21 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................21 Databases, Search Engines, and Key Search Terms ............................................. 21 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................23 Minority Stress Theory ......................................................................................... 23 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................26 HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma ................................................................................... 26 Application of Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks to Study ..............................30 Conceptualization of Spirituality .................................................................................31 Spirituality, Stigma, and HIV ............................................................................... 33 Spirituality among the Black Community ............................................................ 34 Spirituality, HIV, and Aging ................................................................................. 36 Spirituality and Older BMSM Living with HIV ................................................... 38 Summary ......................................................................................................................40 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................42 Introduction ..................................................................................................................42 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................43 Research Tradition ................................................................................................ 44 Transcendental Phenomenology ........................................................................... 45 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................47 ii Methodology ................................................................................................................48 Participant Selection ............................................................................................. 48 Sampling Strategy ................................................................................................. 49 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 51 Reflexivity Journaling ........................................................................................... 54 Procedures for Data Collection ............................................................................. 54 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................ 56 Trustworthiness ............................................................................................................58 Credibility ............................................................................................................. 58 Transferability ....................................................................................................... 59 Dependability ........................................................................................................ 60 Confirmability ....................................................................................................... 60 Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................61 Vulnerable Populations ......................................................................................... 62 Anonymity and Confidentiality ............................................................................ 62 Compensation ....................................................................................................... 63 Risks and Benefits................................................................................................. 63 Summary ......................................................................................................................64 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................65 Introduction ..................................................................................................................65 Setting ..........................................................................................................................66 Demographics ..............................................................................................................68 iii
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