A meta-analysis of disclosure of one’s HIV-positive status, stigma and social support

This study provides an analysis of the relationships among perceived stigma, reported disclosure and perceived social support for those living with HIV. The meta-analytic summary of 21 studies (4,104 participants) showed, as predicted, a positive, heterogeneous correlation between disclosure and social support (ŕ = .159), a negative, heterogeneous correlation between stigma and social support (ŕ = -.344) and a negative, homogenous correlation between stigma and disclosure (ŕ = -.189). The heterogeneity of the first two relationships indicates the presence of moderators, which may include participants’ age and publications’ year.