Laypersons are quite inclined to communicate their emotional experiences. Yet, previous studies have shown that patients living with a chronic illness have difficulties in the social sharing of emotions (SSE) linked to the perception of negative social responses. The present dissertation has intended to examine the (non) SSE in HIV/AIDS patients living in the Dominican Republic. Three field studies were conducted. Study 1 aimed to verify if the SSE takes place in the dominican cultural context as it has been showed in other studies. 306 participants answered a questionnaire, and as hypothesized, rates, initiation and extent of SSE were consistent with previous results. Study 2 aimed to compare HIV/AIDS to other chronic illness patients regarding SSE. 104 patients (35 HIV/AIDS, 35 diabetes and 34 cancer) responded to a questionnaire. Our main hypothesis was confirmed: HIV/AIDS patients’ SSE scores were significantly lower. Furthermore, these patients reported higher feelings of shame and guilt, and greater fears concerning others’ negative responses. Study 3 intended to answer one main question: why this non-SSE in HIV/AIDS patients and what would be its consequences? 101 patients under ARV answered a questionnaire. Non-SSE was partially predicted by perceived stigma and no consequences of non-SSE were found. However, results showed that the perception of the quality of SSE was a significant predictor of the positive consequences linked to emotional expression. Our results highlight the importance of the qualitative aspect of SSE and could lead to future research on interventions aiming the expression of shame and guilt in these patients.
