Psychological inhibition and CD4 T-cell levels in HIV-seropositive women.

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined the hypothesis that the capacity for emotional expression is a critical moderator of the emotional support-health relationship. METHODS In a sample of 61 HIV-seropositive women without AIDS, coping interviews were conducted to assess HIV-specific emotional support and emotional expression and inhibition (percentage of positive/negative emotion words and inhibition words, respectively). RESULTS Hierarchical regression analyses revealed no relationship between availability of HIV-specific emotional support and concurrent CD4 levels and no moderation of emotional expression or inhibition. However, a higher percentage of inhibition words was associated with lower CD4 T-cell levels controlling for health behaviors, demographics, and treatment regimen (DeltaR(2)=.08, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with prior theory and research showing a relationship between psychological inhibition and deleterious health outcomes.