Unwelcoming: The Church Experiences of HIV-Infected Adolescents and Emerging Adults.

Acceptance among family, friends, and within the community is a critical developmental milestone during adolescence. Having a diagnosis of HIV may hinder or impede one's ability to develop socially. The purpose of our original study was to describe the role spirituality may play in HIV-infected adolescents and emerging adults. We interviewed 21 Christian-identified males using constructivist grounded theory methodology. The theory of the church not embracing HIV-infected youth was generated. The theme "unwelcoming" describes young people's attempts to connect with the church. Embracing adolescents and emerging adults in church may offer support and enhance their ability to cope with HIV.