Straight Wives of HIV-Positive Husbands Who Contracted the Virus Through Male-to-Male Sexual Contact

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the experience of eight monogamous, heterosexual women whose husbands have been diagnosed as HIV positive as a result of male-to-male sexual contact. The women were not aware of the sexual orientation of their husbands nor that they had engaged in extramarital relations. The ramifications of the revelations of both the sexual orientation and the HIV status on the women are the thrust of the research. A semi-structured interview was used to elicit rich descriptions of the marriages in which the participants lived, both before and after their husbands either revealed their homosexuality or were diagnosed as HIV positive. Themes revealed included the wives’ anger, betrayal/disillusionment, self-esteem, isolation, denial, and self-blame. Dealing with these and the dual disclosure led to various resolutions. This study provides information that can lead to more effective therapy with this population and raises public issues regarding privacy of HIV-positive husbands and protecting the health of their wives.