Factors Affecting the Use of Social Networks and Its Effect on Anxiety and Depression among Parents and Their Children: Predictors Using ML, SEM and Extended TAM

Associations between sexual identity stigma and positive sexual identity, and depression among men who have sex with men in China: A mediation analysis using structural equation modelling

PURPOSE

High levels of depression are common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, and there is limited research on the relationship between MSM stigma and depression. Guided by the psychological mediation framework, to explore the relationship between stigma and depression among MSM and how positive sexual identity plays a role in it, we tested this model whether: 1) enacted MSM stigma, perceived MSM stigma, and positive sexual identity are associated with depression; 2) their effects on depression are mediated through resilient coping and social support; and 3) perceived MSM stigma is a mediator of the effects of enacted MSM stigma and positive sexual identity on depression.

METHODS

We conducted mediation analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1014 MSM recruited using a non-probability sampling method in December 2022. The data passed general analyses such as normality and correlation, which allowed for modeling. The final SEM fit metrics indicated that the model was acceptable.

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling results showed that enacted stigma directly and positively affected depressive symptoms (β = 0.558, 95 % confidence interval = 0.457 ～ 0.644, P < 0.001). Perceived stigma had a positive effect on depressive symptoms (β = 0.114, 95 %CI = 0.036 ～ 0.200, P = 0.002). Positive identity had a positive effect on depressive symptoms (β = 0.086, 95 %CI = 0.016 ～ 0.162, P = 0.013). In addition, the results of mediation effect analysis showed that the indirect effect of enacted stigma on the effect of depression through social support was (β = 0.040, 95 %CI = 0.003 ∼ 0.017, P = 0.049); The indirect effect of perceived stigma on the effect of depression through resilient coping was (β = -0.015, 95 %CI = -0.034 ∼ -0.002, P = 0.056); The indirect effects of positive sexual identity on the effect of depression through resilient coping and social support were (β = -0.025, 95 %CI = -0.056 ∼ -0.002, P = 0.052) and (β = -0.056, 95 %CI = -0.101 ∼ -0.023, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Resilient coping and social support mediated the relationship between stigma and depression, and both were influenced by positive identity. This study reveals that enhancing coping and social support may reduce the impact of stigma on depressive symptoms, both of which are potential targets for interventions for MSM. Guiding MSM to develop a positive sexual identity is conducive to reducing the prevalence of depressive symptoms among MSM.

OdorTAM: Technology Acceptance Model for Biometric Authentication System Using Human Body Odor

Body odor is a biometric feature unique to each individual, and it can be used for authentication. However, decision makers must learn about the users' level of acceptance of this technology, as well as their thoughts on the system's features and procedures. In this study, a technology acceptance model (TAM) for body-odor-based biometric techniques named OdorTAM was proposed and validated. An English language questionnaire was developed in a web-based, easy-to-read format on Google Forms. The survey consisted of 19 questions, and 150 responses were received. Statistical analysis of the responses was carried out, and it was found that all the hypotheses were supported. Therefore, the OdorTAM model appears to be satisfactory. To this end, we posit that a body-odor-based biometric technique can be one of the alternatives for authentication, and it can also be used along with some other techniques for improved security. The study contributes to the literature on consumers' understanding of biometric technologies, in particular odor detection, which has received relatively less attention in extant research.