Distinct Coping Combinations are Associated with Depression and Support Service Utilization in Men who have Sex with Men Living with HIV.

Stigma and stress may place HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV+ MSM) at risk for depression. Additionally, HIV+ MSM might utilize multiple HIV-related services as a way to gain support for, and more effectively manage, HIV-related stressors. Although prior research has demonstrated that depression severity and utilizing support services are associated with functional or dysfunctional coping strategies, researchers have not investigated the impact of different coping combinations-specifically, the concurrent use of functional and dysfunctional strategies-in this population.