• Sahen Gupta

This research explores the stereotypes that exist against the HIV/AIDS community, how they behaviorally manifest in the general population and how the infected community responds to it. The ground reality in Indian society concerning HIV is one that is hostile and stigmatized, stemming from a lack of awareness of the disease and what it entails. While considering adolescents with HIV/AIDS risk taking behavior is observed more often. To that end, a qualitative method was employed so as to better understand the impact of these psycho-social factors on the level of an individual’s subjective experiences. Through thematic analysis it emerged that societal reactions and realities about HIV/AIDS manifest into stigmatizing behaviors which the community has learnt to cope with in several ways, primarily the presence of sheltered rehabilitation care. The discussion highlights the various manifesting impact of the stereotypes at the individual level.

HIV/AIDS Adolescents, Qualitative, Lived experiences, Cultural Perception, Stereotypes, Rehabilitation, Well-Being.

"HIV/AIDS Stereotypes: Exploring its existence through the eyes of the Community", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no.270-278, November-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1811B44.pdf

"HIV/AIDS Stereotypes: Exploring its existence through the eyes of the Community", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no. pp270-278, November-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1811B44.pdf