Symbolic Interactionist Theory

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The typical trajectory of illness follows the patterns laid out by Parsons (1951) in the sick role. By allowing individuals to momentarily break out of their role, providing sympathy, and expecting/assisting the individual in pursuing treatment, the individual has an easier transition between sick and well roles. However, many exceptions to this theory exist. HIV and AIDS deviate from the sick role in almost every way, which creates stigma and causes many problems for the individual with the disease. Stigma is an attribute which labels a person as deviant from the norm. This attribute discredits individuals in social contexts and the individual associated with this attribute is viewed as bad, dangerous, or weak by the general public (Williams, 2014). The intention of this paper to research from a symbolic interactionist perspective how the stigma of HIV and AIDS results in poor health practices. A symbolic interactionist approach refers to the micro interactions between individuals. How symbols such as behaviours and language are interpreted to produce meaning and understanding shapes an individual's subsequent actions as well as their reality (Blumer, 1994). Health practices such as eating well, exercising, getting checkups, seeking, and applying treatment, all have a significant impact on the contribution or …show more content…

Additionally, individuals who are HIV positive will likely try to hide their diagnosis, resulting in the avoidance of treatment or inconsistency of treatment among other dangerous behaviours. Finally, the stigma of HIV/AIDS has been found to result in the denial of services and discrimination which can make accessing care more difficult. Understanding the full affects of HIV/AIDS stigma on health and disease prevalence could help reduce the incidents of HIV/AIDS. Finally, it could improve quality of life for individuals diagnosed with

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