Recurrent genital herpes: what helps adjustment?

Psychosocial adjustment to recurrent genital infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) varies greatly among individuals. To identify the factors predictive of psychosocial adjustment to recurrent genital HSV infections, we analyzed data from interviews and psychological tests conducted with infected individuals. We found that avoidant coping strategies such as denial and social support from a counselor were negatively correlated with adjustment to genital HSV, whereas cognitive coping strategies and social support from one's spouse or lover were positively correlated with adjustment. We conclude that psychosocial adjustment to recurrent genital HSV infections might be facilitated by sharing one's diagnosis with supportive intimate others and avoiding denial as a defense mechanism.