The Longitudinal Effects of Spirituality on Stress, Depression, and Risk Behaviors Among Men with HIV Infection Attending Three Clinics in the Southeastern United States

ABSTRACT. We examined the associations of two measures of spirituality (i.e., spiritual growth and religious coping) and perceived stress, depression, hazardous alcohol use, and use of tobacco and illicit drugs over time among men who had tested positive for HIV. Data were collected from 226 men at baseline, 197 at a 12‐month follow‐up, and 184 at a 24‐month follow‐up. There were significant time by spiritual growth interactions found for both perceived stress and depression. Increased spiritual growth, that is, spirituality that focuses on seeking meaning, purpose, and transcendence was significantly associated with reduced perceived stress and reduced depression, and the effects varied at different time points. Spiritual growth was not associated with specific risk behaviors (hazardous alcohol use, tobacco and illicit drug use). The effects of religious coping (e.g. Bible reading, prayer, church attendance) on outcomes were consistent across all time points. Religious coping was not significantly associ...