For many people, HIV is still a taboo subject—associated with fear, stereotypes, and outdated knowledge. Although today HIV treatment is so effective that people living with HIV live just as long as those who are not infected, they continue to experience strong stigma—not only from others, but also within their own thoughts, emotions, and relationships. In this context, social support—especially support within a relationship—becomes an invaluable resource. It is not only about practical help, but also about everyday emotional gestures: care, listening, and coping with difficulties together. Research shows that when support is available and reciprocal, it lowers stress levels, reduces the impact of stigma, and improves well-being—for both the person living with HIV and their partner. Yet surprisingly little is known about how such everyday support functions in couples living with HIV. How does the persistent stigma affect relationship quality? Do people with HIV feel entitled to seek help—even from those closest to them?

To answer these and other questions, in our new OPUS 26 grant from the National Science Centre entitled “Dyadic Support Exchange, Affective Well-being, and HIV/AIDS Stigma: A Daily Diary Study of Romantic Couples Including People Living with HIV”, we will examine the daily functioning of romantic couples in which at least one partner is living with HIV. We will focus on how daily exchanges of social support—both giving and receiving—affect emotional well-being and experiences of stigma. The study will be conducted using a diary method: for three weeks, partners will independently complete short online questionnaires every day. This innovative approach will allow us to better understand how support operates in practice—day by day—in real relationships marked by social stigma. A chronic illness such as HIV affects not only the infected individual, but also their loved ones. That is why it is so important to analyze support processes within couples—as a dynamic, co-created relationship.

Our aim is not only to uncover psychological mechanisms, but also to strengthen the visibility and voice of people living with HIV in relationships. We want to show that living with HIV does not mean the end of intimacy, love, and mutual support—and that understanding, acceptance, and a high-quality relationship can be powerful tools against the effects of stigma. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Pozytywni w Tęczy, an organization supporting people living with HIV. By combining scientific knowledge with community action, we want to break down barriers, raise awareness, and strengthen real support.