Exploring and strengthening the role of positive affect in the lives of people living with HIV

A group multicomponent positive affect intervention for individuals with HIV was conducted with seven participants accessing an inner-city charity providing support for this population. The intervention ran over eight weeks and included a number of skills which have previously been found to improve positive affect. Outcomes were measured using quantitative scales of affect and mindfulness, and qualitative follow-up interviews. Following the intervention, positive affect and mindfulness significantly increased, and a variety of other subjective changes were also reported, although more sessions or booster sessions may have maintained these changes more effectively. These findings are in keeping with previous studies exploring the impact of multicomponent interventions with chronically ill populations. The limitations of these findings are discussed, and suggestions are made for future research, including having a larger number of participants and more carefully controlled studies.