Although there has been considerable research on the experiences of caregivers in general, and more recently on caregivers of persons living with AIDS (PLWAs), little is known about the effects of AIDS on the many significant others who do not assume roles as primary caregivers. Yet these significant others provide vital instrumental and social support to enhance the lives of PLWAs. This study was conducted using the grounded theory method with in-depth interviews of a diverse sample of 24 significant others of PLWAs from 2 distinct geographic areas. The basic social psychological process was identified as "struggling to keep on top." Three major categories of this core variable included "accepting the challenge,"" 'maintaining equilibrium," and "constructing a future." Findings have implications for sensitization to the experiences of this population and for interventions to maintain them in their roles as they confront the challenging, frustrating, and sometimes abruptly changing situations associated with AIDS.
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