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Rodríguez-Expósito B, Rieker JA, Uceda S, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Echeverry-Alzate V, Gómez-Ortega M, Positivo A, Reiriz M. Psychological characteristics associated with chemsex among men who have sex with men: Internalized homophobia, conscientiousness and serostatus as predictive factors. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100465. [PMID: 38737628 PMCID: PMC11088328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although significant progress has been made in the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, even today this population still faces stigma and discrimination that impacts their mental health. In the case of men who have sex with men, it has been demonstrated that the use of drugs in a sexual context (chemsex) is one of the coping mechanisms and means of escape to deal with these situations. Method We assessed 284 native Spanish speakers' participants, 45,4 % were not engaged in sexualised drug use (n = 129) while 54,6 % were chemsex users (n = 155) using 18,7 % of them the injected via. The participants completed six questionnaires about life and sexual satisfaction, depression, anxiety, internalised homophobia and personality. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the associations between sexual behaviour-related and psychological variables. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to analysed the impact on mental health of the administration via. Results Aged, unprotected sexual relationships, positive serostatus, homonegativity and conscientiousness predicted the chemsex engagement. Furthermore, we found differences regarding the administration via. Conclusions We conclude that mental health significantly correlates with the practice of chemsex, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health considerations into the prevention of risky sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Rodríguez-Expósito
- Nebrija University, Facultad de Lenguas y Educación, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid 28240, Spain
- Departament of Psychology, UNED, Seville, Spain
| | - Jennifer A. Rieker
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Uceda
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Echeverry-Alzate
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Reiriz
- NBC Group, Psychology Department, School of Life and Nature Sciences, Nebrija University, Madrid, Spain
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Guzmán-González M, Gómez F, Bahamondes J, Barrientos J, Garrido-Rojas L, Espinoza-Tapia R, Casu G. Internalized homonegativity moderates the association between attachment avoidance and emotional intimacy among same-sex male couples. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1148005. [PMID: 37063530 PMCID: PMC10090517 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1148005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe present study aimed to examine dyadic associations between attachment insecurity and emotional intimacy in same-sex male couples, and to investigate whether and how each partner’s internalized homonegativity (IH) moderated these associations.MethodsThe sample included 138 same-sex male couples. Both dyad members completed self-report measures of attachment insecurity, emotional intimacy, and IH. The actor-partner interdependence model with moderation analysis was applied.ResultsIndicated that higher levels of actor’s and partner’s attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with lower actor’s emotional intimacy. IH moderated the partner effects of attachment avoidance on emotional intimacy. The partner’s higher attachment avoidance was associated with one’s own lower emotional intimacy at low (but not high) levels of one’s own IH and at high (but not low) levels of the partner’s IH.DiscussionFindings suggest that the partner’s attachment avoidance may differently affect one’s own emotional intimacy depending on the IH levels of both dyad members. Helping partnered sexual minority men decrease attachment insecurity while recognizing their own and their partners’ IH may promote relationship quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Guzmán-González
- Laboratory of Research in Attachment, Couple Relationships and Family, School of Psychology, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- *Correspondence: Mónica Guzmán-González,
| | - Fabiola Gómez
- School of Psychology, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - Joaquín Bahamondes
- School of Psychology, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jaime Barrientos
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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González-Baeza A, Barrio-Fernández P, Curto-Ramos J, Ibarguchi L, Dolengevich-Segal H, Cano-Smith J, Rúa-Cebrián G, García-Carrillo de Albornoz A, Kessel D. Understanding Attachment, Emotional Regulation, and Childhood Adversity and Their Link to Chemsex. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:94-102. [PMID: 36422467 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2148482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although evidence shows that engaging in chemsex can be associated with poor mental health, little is known about the relationship between psychological factors and this type of drug use. We aim to explore associations between engagement in chemsex and several psychological variables (adverse life events, attachment styles, emotional regulation skills, self-care patterns) in a sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with drug-related problems. Methods: A group of GBMSM engaged in chemsex (n = 41) and a control group of GBMSM (n = 39) completed an online survey to assess drug-related problems and the abovementioned psychological variables, in which both groups were compared. All analyses were adjusted for covariates showing significant differences between groups. Results: Compared to the control group, participants engaged in chemsex showed significantly higher frequencies of an avoidant-insecure attachment style and early adverse life events, regardless of all covariates (HIV status, job situation, and place of birth). Poorer emotional regulation and self-care patterns and a higher frequency of sexual abuse were also found in participants engaged in chemsex, though we cannot rule out the influence of HIV status on this second group of variables. Conclusions: Some people with drug-related problems engaged in chemsex might have suffered early adverse events and might have an avoidant-insecure attachment style. Moreover, those who have been diagnosed with HIV might show higher emotional dysregulation and poorer self-care patterns. These variables should be routinely evaluated in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia González-Baeza
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Curto-Ramos
- Apoyo Positivo, Psychological Department, Apoyo Positivo, Madrid, Spain.,Psychiatry Service, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Ibarguchi
- Apoyo Positivo, Psychological Department, Apoyo Positivo, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Joanna Cano-Smith
- HIV Unit, Internal Medicine Service, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Dominique Kessel
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Gil-Llario MD, Morell-Mengual V, García-Barba M, Nebot-García JE, Ballester-Arnal R. HIV and STI Prevention Among Spanish Women Who have Sex with Women: Factors Associated with Dental Dam and Condom Use. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:161-170. [PMID: 35788924 PMCID: PMC9852118 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03752-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The scientific community has systematically ignored the needs of women who have sex with women (WSW). The invisibilization of romantic and sexual relationships between women has caused a profound lack of knowledge about the impact of HIV and other STIs on this population subgroup. This study aims to analyze the frequency of dental dam and condom use in WSW and identify the variables that explain the use of these two preventive methods. The sample is composed of 327 women aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 27.82; SD = 8.10). The results indicate that only 4.7% of those who practice cunnilingus and 5.2% of those who practice anilingus report "always" using dental dam (systematic use). Condoms are used systematically by 37.1% of those who practice vaginal penetration and 37.8% of those who practice anal penetration. Age, high perceived self-efficacy, and adequate assertive communication skills are variables significantly related to preventive behavior. The severity attributed to HIV and the perceived risk of infection are protective factors regarding dental dam use. For condom use, high levels of internalized homophobia and drug use are risk factors. Future preventive strategies should provide information on preventive strategies to WSW who, for different reasons, are not involved in LGBT contexts or associations and, therefore, do not have access to training activities and mistakenly believe that they are invulnerable as they do not have sexual relations with men.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Gil-Llario
- grid.5338.d0000 0001 2173 938XDepartment of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Morell-Mengual
- grid.5338.d0000 0001 2173 938XDepartment of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta García-Barba
- grid.9612.c0000 0001 1957 9153Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Castelló de la Plana, Castellon Spain
| | - Juan E. Nebot-García
- grid.9612.c0000 0001 1957 9153Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Castelló de la Plana, Castellon Spain
| | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- grid.9612.c0000 0001 1957 9153Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, Castelló de la Plana, Castellon Spain
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Sepúlveda-Páez G, Santibañez-Palma JF, Ferrer-Urbina R, Atencio D, Bucarei P, Castillo J, Fuentes M, Zumarán B. Internalized homophobia and sexual risk behavior in men who have sex with men: The mediational role of sexual self-concept. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1007749. [PMID: 36312057 PMCID: PMC9614244 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1007749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are one of the populations most likely to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide. Sexual risk behaviors (SRB) are the main route of HIV transmission. Among the factors associated with SRB, internalized homophobia (rejection of one's sexuality) is a risk factor unique for MSM. However, how this factor influences SRB is not clear. Therefore, the present study attempts to clarify the mechanism of action of the relationship between internalized homophobia on SRB based on the mediating effects of sexual self-concept. A study was conducted with 124 MSM living in Chile over 18 years of age (M = 24.4 and SD = 4.19). Through path analysis, it was observed that internalized homophobia has slight inverse effects on SRBs (multiple sexual partners and sexual activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs) when the sexual self-efficacy dimension acts as a mediating variable. These findings suggest that developing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns focused on MSM must highlight the development of a healthy sexual self-concept and address self-stigma.
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Morell-Mengual V, Gil-Llario MD, Fernádez-García O, Ballester-Arnal R. Factors Associated with Condom Use in Anal Intercourse Among Spanish Men Who Have Sex with Men: Proposal for an Explanatory Model. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3836-3845. [PMID: 33914210 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for more than half of the new HIV diagnoses in Spain. This study aims to carry out a descriptive analysis of the sexual practices and frequency of condom use of MSM and identify the variables that explain inconsistent condom use during anal intercourse. The sample consists of 405 men between 18 and 60 years of age (M = 28.94; SD = 9.35). The results indicate that the percentage of consistent condom use is 72.9% for anal intercourse. Lack of risk perception, high self-esteem, and greater sensation-seeking are risk factors for risky sexual behavior. In contrast, high levels of sexual assertiveness and self-efficacy are protective factors. The proposed model explains between 33.8 and 49.2% of the variance. These findings highlight the importance of designing and implementing condom promotion programs for MSM who engage in anal intercourse with specific sections that consider the acquisition of assertive skills and reduce the risks associated with a perceived invulnerability to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Morell-Mengual
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Dolores Gil-Llario
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Olga Fernádez-García
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael Ballester-Arnal
- Department of Basic and Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
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Desarrollo y análisis psicométrico de una nueva escala de homofobia interiorizada. REVISTA DIGITAL INTERNACIONAL DE PSICOLOGÍA Y CIENCIA SOCIAL 2021. [DOI: 10.22402/j.rdipycs.unam.7.2.2021.356.306-329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
La homofobia interiorizada se trata de un constructo importante para el desarrollo y la salud física y mental de lesbianas, gays y bisexuales, sin embargo, su operacionalización ha sido constantemente criticada y señalada como complicada, por su contenido, por sus propiedades psicométricas y por la influencia cultural con la que cuentan las escalas. El propósito del presente estudio fue la construcción de una escala de homofobia interiorizada culturalmente relevante para adultos LGB, así como la identificación de sus dimensiones y la evaluación de sus propiedades psicométricas de validez de constructo y confiabilidad. Participaron 782 voluntarios con una edad entre 18 a 52. A través de un análisis factorial exploratorio se obtuvo una escala con 22 ítems distribuidos en cuatro factores, los cuales explicaron el 54.38% de la varianza. Un análisis de consistencia interna mostró un alfa de Cronbach de 0.92. Los resultados se discuten a la luz de diversas teorías y modelos de medida propuestos sobre la homofobia interiorizada. Este estudio respondió a diversas críticas sobre la operacionalización de este constructo, además proporcionó un nuevo instrumento válido y confiable que mantiene y agrega nuevos elementos a este constructo.
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López-Sáez MÁ, García-Dauder D, Montero I. Intersections Around Ambivalent Sexism: Internalized Homonegativity, Resistance to Heteronormativity and Other Correlates. Front Psychol 2020; 11:608793. [PMID: 33343477 PMCID: PMC7744291 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.608793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article explores the connections between the construct of sexism and other sociodemographic and attitudinal variables, such as internalized homonegativity and heteronormative resistances, among psychology students. Both unrefined and inferential analyses were used with a representative sample of 841 psychology students from public universities in Madrid. Results showed higher levels of sexism, internalized homonegativity and low resistances to heteronormativity among groups of men, heterosexuals and conservatives. Interactions were found that showed a higher degree of hostile sexism in: heterosexual people with respect to LGB and heterosexual men with respect to heterosexual women. Also, interactions were found to show a greater degree of heteronormative resistance in: LGB people with respect to heterosexuals and left-wing women with respect to right-wing women. Correlations with sexism varied according to gender identity and sexual orientation. In addition, heteronormative resistances correlated negatively with sexism, while some components of internalized homonegativity correlated positively. Political affiliation was the most frequent predictor of sexism. The results highlight the need for an intersectional approach to understanding the phenomenon of sexism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel López-Sáez
- Department of Psychology, Social Psychology Area, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Dau García-Dauder
- Department of Psychology, Social Psychology Area, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ignacio Montero
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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