Everything changed: spiritual transformation in people with HIV.

Spiritual transformation (ST) occurs in a sizable proportion of people with HIV and is generally positive and enduring. In a qualitative study of two samples—people with chronic HIV disease (n=74) and self-identified spiritual people with HIV (n=73)—ST occurred in 39% and 75% respectively. Transformations were 95% positive and lasted an average of 8.71 years. ST most often followed a spiritual experience (especially near-death experience), substance-use recovery, or an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Common antecedents included substance-use disorder, education/upbringing, and desire to change.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Spiritual Transformation (ST) is accompanied by dramatic changes in spiritual beliefs along with major changes in behaviors, self-view, and attitudes. This study examined types of ST, as well as its antecedents and consequences in people with HIV. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interviews about ST in people's lives in two samples: people with chronic HIV-disease (chronic disease sample, n = 74) and people with HIV who identified themselves as spiritual (spiritual sample, n = 73). ST occurred in 39% of the chronic disease and 75% of the spiritual sample. These STs were generally positive (95%) and enduring (M = 8.71 +/- 7.43 years). ST was most frequently associated with spiritual experience (in particular near-death experience), substance-use recovery, and HIV/AIDS-diagnosis. Main antecedents were substance-use disorder, education/upbringing, and desire to change. Further themes were depression/helplessness, confrontation with illness/death, social support, and lifestyle. The top six consequences include spiritual intensification, more spiritual practices, positive feelings toward self, recovery from substance-use, finding new meaning and purpose in life, and increased self-knowledge. In the spiritual sample, there was a common pattern of hitting rock bottom with drugs, having a spiritual experience (in particular a near-death experience), and joining a drug program. Positive ST occurs in a sizable proportion of people with HIV. Importantly, ST often results in an enduring substance-use recovery, and an improved quality of life as indicated by enhanced gratitude, appreciation, joy, sense of peace, and reduced fear of death.