Internalized Heterosexism among HIV-Positive, Gay-Identified Men: Implications for HIV Prevention and Care

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Internalized Heterosexism among HIV-Positive, Gay-Identified Men: Implications for HIV Prevention and Care
Language: English
Authors: Johnson, Mallory O., Carrico, Adam W., Chesney, Margaret A.
Source: Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Oct 2008 76(5):829-839.
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2008
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Stimulants, Structural Equation Models, Prevention, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, At Risk Persons, Social Bias, Homosexuality, Depression (Psychology), Males, Social Attitudes, Self Esteem, Social Theories, Drug Therapy, Compliance (Psychology), Drug Abuse, Sexuality, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Negative Attitudes, Affective Behavior
ISSN: 0022-006X
Abstract: Internalized heterosexism (IH), or the internalization of societal antihomosexual attitudes, has been consistently linked to depression and low self-esteem among gay men, and it has been inconclusively associated with substance use and sexual risk in gay and bisexual men. Using structural equation modeling, the authors tested a model framed in social action theory (C. K. Ewart, 1991, 2004) in which IH is associated with HIV transmission risk and poor adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the mechanisms of negative affect and stimulant use. Data from a sample of 465 gay-identified men interviewed as part of an HIV risk reduction behavioral trial were used to test the fit of the model. Results support the hypothesized model in which IH was associated with unprotected receptive (but not insertive) anal intercourse with HIV-negative or unknown HIV status partners, and with ART nonadherence indirectly via increased negative affect and more regular stimulant use. The model accounted for 15% of the variance in unprotected receptive anal intercourse and 17% of the variance in ART nonadherence. Findings support the potential utility of addressing IH in HIV prevention and treatment with HIV-positive gay men.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2009
Access URL: https://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ccp/76/5/829/
Accession Number: EJ823808
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Internalized heterosexism (IH), or the internalization of societal antihomosexual attitudes, has been consistently linked to depression and low self-esteem among gay men, and it has been inconclusively associated with substance use and sexual risk in gay and bisexual men. Using structural equation modeling, the authors tested a model framed in social action theory (C. K. Ewart, 1991, 2004) in which IH is associated with HIV transmission risk and poor adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the mechanisms of negative affect and stimulant use. Data from a sample of 465 gay-identified men interviewed as part of an HIV risk reduction behavioral trial were used to test the fit of the model. Results support the hypothesized model in which IH was associated with unprotected receptive (but not insertive) anal intercourse with HIV-negative or unknown HIV status partners, and with ART nonadherence indirectly via increased negative affect and more regular stimulant use. The model accounted for 15% of the variance in unprotected receptive anal intercourse and 17% of the variance in ART nonadherence. Findings support the potential utility of addressing IH in HIV prevention and treatment with HIV-positive gay men.
ISSN:0022-006X