HIV-related stigma and subjective well-being: The mediating role of the Belief in a Just World

The primary aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the domains of HIV-related stigma and subjective well-being in people living with HIV (N = 90), giving a special emphasis to the role of Belief in a Just World. A significant relationship emerged between the domains of stigma and the components of subjective well-being, which is not direct, but is rather mediated by Belief in a Just World. The findings indicate that exposure to stigma can lead to a decrease in Belief in a Just World, which potentially leads to a sense of lack of control over one's life, with a final, negative outcome for subjective well-being.