Program of Psychological Correction for Cognitive and Emotional Disorders in HIV-positive Patients

Relevance. Relevance of the research problem is determined by the need for psychological support for people living with HIV infection in the context of the chronic disease course accompanied by cognitive and emotional impairments. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic condition, the issue of quality of life and psychological adaptation in HIV-positive patients remains highly acute. The development and implementation of a comprehensive psychological technology – cognitive-emotional training – represents a current direction in clinical psychology, aimed at enhancing the adaptive resources of HIV-infected patients, strengthening their motivation for treatment, and improving overall quality of life. The program is based on the integration of cognitive-behavioral, activity-based, and neuropsychological approaches and is the result of empirical research conducted by the author, during which a system of exercises adapted to the needs of this group was tested.
Purpose. The aim of the study is to develop and test a psychological correction program aimed at improving cognitive functioning and stabilizing the emotional state of HIV-infected patients. The study confirmed the effectiveness of the developed cognitive-emotional training, which allows it to be recommended for implementation in psychological care practice and to present the results to the scientific community.
Materials and methods. To identify cognitive and emotional characteristics of HIV-infected patients, a set of psychodiagnostic methods was used, including: the ten-word memorization test for short-term memory assessment, the Schulte tables for measuring attention stability and selectivity, and the “Complex Analogies” method for logical thinking analysis. Emotional state was assessed using the SCL-90-R symptom checklist, A. Ellis’s irrational beliefs diagnostic, and the Life Satisfaction Index (adapted by N.V. Panina). To achieve the study’s objectives, a cognitive-emotional training program was developed and implemented, aimed at correcting cognitive deficits and reducing emotional distress in HIV-positive patients. The program included a system of group sessions with elements of cognitive stimulation, mnemonic exercises, logical tasks, and self-regulation techniques, accompanied by dynamic assessment of effectiveness using individual indicators.
Results. Implementation of the cognitive-emotional training program in HIV-infected patients led to positive changes in cognitive and emotional domains. Significant improvements were observed in short-term memory, attention, and logical thinking, as well as a reduction in anxiety, depression, and psychoemotional distress. Participants demonstrated increased life satisfaction and self-esteem, improved stress resilience, and partial correction of irrational beliefs. The program showed a high degree of effectiveness both individually and in group dynamics, making it a promising approach.

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