This study has been made possible by the solidarity, help and sympathy of a number of people, all of whom I want to thank. For three years (1989–1991) I was privileged to work with Professor David Silverman as Glaxo Research Fellow at Goldsmiths' College, London. The intellectual environment of my work was created by him; and throughout the three years, he patiently gave invaluable advice and encouragement. An earlier version of this book was prepared as a Ph.D. dissertation supervised by Professor Silverman.

Christian Heath gave his advice during the crucial times of the first year of the project. David Greatbatch commented upon many of the data analyses presented here, and made available his experience of the analysis of institutional interaction. While preparing the book, I was given an opportunity to stay twice for a month at UCLA, where John Heritage gave me insightful suggestions and encouragement. On various occasions during the research project, Paul Drew gave most helpful advice. Towards the end of the project, Marja-Leena Sorjonen commented upon the data analyses related to several chapters.

During my research project, I also had an opportunity to discuss the work with experienced AIDS counsellors at the Royal Free Hospital, London. Riva Miller, Eleanor Goldman and Robert Bor gave invaluable advice. Their writing on AIDS counselling based on Family Systems Theory was a crucial source of insight for me.

Financially, my work has been supported by Glaxo Holdings pic, University of Tampere, and the Academy of Finland.