The vast majority of psychological research indicates that experiencing trauma mainly leads to negative changes in human psychological functioning, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most widespread. Nevertheless, relatively recently, scholars’ attention has shifted from focusing solely on the negative to paradoxically also considering the positive consequences of traumatic events, which has shaped a new line of research on post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG describes the positive changes that may occur after traumatic experiences, such as greater appreciation of life, improved relationships with others, new life opportunities, personal strength, and spiritual transformation. However, after more than a quarter century of PTG research, many questions remain unanswered. One of them concerns whether PTG can be cultivated through psychosocial interventions. Unfortunately, no effective intervention promoting PTG has been developed to date. There is also little research on PTG among patients facing trauma associated with life-threatening illness. Finally, recent studies emphasize the importance of examining body image in the PTG process, which has shaped a new research direction concerning so-called corporeal post-traumatic growth (C-PTG).

In our latest SONATA BIS 14 grant from the National Science Centre, entitled “From the Stigmatized Body to Embodied Post-Traumatic Growth: An International Mixed-Methods Comparative Study to Promote Post-Traumatic Growth Among People Living with HIV”, we aim to develop the first online intervention promoting PTG among people living with HIV. This intervention will place particular emphasis on strengthening positive body image and reducing perceived HIV/AIDS-related stigma, using a mixed-methods research design. In other words, in addition to quantitative analysis of variables, we will also invite people living with HIV to participate in qualitative interviews to help us co-create this intervention. Moreover, HIV/AIDS stigma today remains the main source of trauma among people living with HIV, although its intensity varies significantly across countries worldwide (see structural HIV/AIDS stigma). Therefore, our project will be carried out in three countries: Poland, Ireland, and the United States. Since most research on HIV/AIDS stigma and PTG has so far been conducted in the U.S., it is crucial to expand studies to other countries to obtain a fuller picture of the potential impact of stigma on PTG among people with HIV.

Particularly important is the comparison between the European and American perspectives, as well as the contrasting social attitudes toward people living with HIV in two European countries—Poland, which has one of the highest levels of HIV/AIDS stigma, and Ireland, with one of the lowest levels of HIV stigma in Europe. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the University of Warsaw, Wake Forest University (USA), and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin, as well as with organizations supporting people living with HIV in each partner country. Thanks to this collaboration, the project combines scientific inquiry with real social engagement.

In the longer term, this study may significantly broaden our understanding of how psychological interventions—based on the integration of body, emotions, and relationships—can support people struggling with the long-term experience of chronic illness and the stigma associated with it.