We comment on articles included in this special issue of theJournal of Social and Personal Relationshipsthat considers HIV, AIDS, and personal relationships and link them to general themes in the literature on close relationships. Relationship maintenance and enhancement are defined and applied to the articles that examined the romantic relationships ofindividuals with HIV and/or AIDS. The impact of coping strategies and social support is discussed, especially as they relate to the health status of individuals with HIV or AIDS. The effect of HIV status on children is considered. Finally, methodological issues and clinical implications of this series of articles are discussed. We conclude that close relationships may serve as both sources of support and stress for individuals living with HIV and/or AIDS. We also view these relationships as forming an important basis of some of the meaning that individuals with HIV and/or AIDS find in their lives as they struggle with these illnesses.
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