This prospective study of a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) and HIV negative (HIV-) caregiving partners of men with AIDS examined the contextual effects of caregiving and bereavement on coping and the association between coping and positive and negative mood during the five months leading up to their partner's death and the five months following their partner's death. Participants used more problem-focused types of coping and more cognitive escape avoidance during caregiving than during bereavement. Six of the eight types of coping that were assessed were associated with negative mood, controlling for prior negative mood. These associations differed as a function of context (caregiving versus bereavemenO. Five types of coping were associated with positive mood, controlling for prior positive mood. HIV serostatus did not affect the relation between coping and mood.