Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Contemplating a Return to Work: A Social Cognitive Career Theory and Constructivist Theory Perspective

摘要

Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) today are living longer lives due to the advent of new and improved medications, and thus their need for career counseling services is increasing as they are considering reentering the workforce. This paper seeks to define the various motivations and perceived barriers PLWHA experience as related to returning to work. The CDC (2008) noted the population of PLWHA is varied in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status; therefore, there is a need not only for understanding the unique employment needs and barriers for PLWHA, but there is also an imperative need for career and rehabilitation counselors to operate from a theoretical perspective that views the client holistically and considers their individual life experiences. In this paper, two such theories, Social Cognitive Career Theory and Constructionist Theory, will be used to conceptualize the career decision-making process of PLWHA. Additionally, a social justice framework will be used to address the shortcomings of these two theories in assessing their career development and recommendations for further research will be made. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]