Chemsex, identity processes and coping among gay and bisexual men

Purpose Chemsex constitutes a significant public health concern among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Using the identity process theory, this study focuses on GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and the functions that the practice performs for constructing a positive sense of self and for coping with psychological stress. Design/methodology/approach Sixteen GBM were interviewed, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings Individuals reported facing various stressors, such as homonegativity, rejection and HIV stigma, which were threatening for self-esteem and distinctiveness. There was habitual use of deflection (e.g. denial and self-concealment) for coping with these stressors. Chemsex enabled some interviewees to engage in more elaborate forms of deflection, such as transient depersonalization, compartmentalization and fantasy. Originality/value In contrast to the risk-focused analyses of chemsex, this study provides a novel identity-based approach to understanding GBM’s motivations for engaging in chemsex and focuses on the functions that chemsex may perform for identity processes.

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Sex and Drugs: High-Risk Behaviors at Circuit Parties

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988308322299 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 344-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

James John Weidel ◽

Elias Provencio-Vasquez ◽

Janet Grossman

Keyword(s):

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽

Gay And Bisexual Men ◽

Health Concern ◽

Bisexual Men ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Circuit Parties ◽

And Bisexual

HIV and other sexually transmitted infection rates are increasing among men who have sex with men. This increase may be attributed to the high rates of drug use and risky sexual behaviors at gay festive events called circuit parties. Although few studies have examined the actual level of risk, the implications from the available studies underscore the need for the development of interventions to address this public health concern. The 5 As approach provides an evidence-based approach to assist in behavior change that may reduce the HIV and sexually transmitted infection rates among gay and bisexual men who attend circuit parties. This article reviews the findings and recommendations from the few available studies on circuit parties and risk behavior. The authors propose that the 5 As approach for behavioral change be adapted by practitioners in the primary care setting.

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Race, social support, and coping strategies among HIV‐positive gay and bisexual men

Culture Health & Sexuality ◽

10.1080/13691050600761268 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 235-249 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

David C. Tate ◽

Jacob J. Van Den Berg ◽

Nathan B. Hansen ◽

Arlene Kochman ◽

Kathleen J. Sikkema

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Gay And Bisexual Men ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Bisexual Men ◽

And Bisexual ◽

And Coping

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Minority Stress and Relationship Satisfaction Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research ◽

10.24839/2325-7342.jn26.3.296 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 296-306

Author(s):

Dustin K. Shepler ◽

Mackenzie R. Glaros ◽

Jared W. Boot

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Relationship Satisfaction ◽

Minority Stress ◽

Gay And Bisexual Men ◽

Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽

Unique Contribution ◽

Bisexual Men ◽

Identity Processes ◽

Identity Concealment ◽

And Bisexual

For gay and bisexual men, relationship status and relationship satisfaction have been linked to longevity, positive mental health, and life satisfaction. Factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction among gay and bisexual men were examined within the framework of Meyer’s (2003) minority stress model. Ninety-three gay, bisexual, and pansexual men who ranged in age from 18 to 60 years old (M = 32.14, SD = 10.01) were recruited in person and through Amazon Mechanical Turk to complete measures related to minority identity processes, identity characteristics, and relationship satisfaction. Most men were White (80.6%) with a high education level (58% had completed at least a bachelor’s degree). Multiple linear regression results were significant and indicated that 4 variables (identity concealment, uncertainty, centrality, and affirmation) explained about 40% of the variance in relationship satisfaction, F(6, 86) = 9.42, p ≤ .001 Findings suggest that Meyer’s model can be extended from explaining mental health to understanding relationship satisfaction. Results also draw attention to the role of identity affirmation and identity centrality, a somewhat unique contribution to this area of inquiry.

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Factors influencing the quality of life among Indonesian elderly

Journal of Health Research ◽

10.1108/jhr-08-2018-037 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 326-333

Author(s):

Bayu Anggileo Pramesona ◽

Surasak Taneepanichskul

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Content Type ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Significant Public Health Concern ◽

Significant Public Health

Purpose In spite of being a significant public health concern, quality of life (QoL) amongst elderly in nursing home (NH) settings is rarely analyzed. The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of QoL and factors influencing QoL amongst elderly NH residents in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted amongst 181 elderly at three NHs in three districts in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used for the study site and sample collection. Face-to-face interviews were performed using the WHO Quality of Life BREF Indonesian version questionnaire to assess elderly QoL. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the factors influencing the QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Findings The response rate was 66.3 percent. A total of 64.1 percent of elderly had a fair level of QoL, whereas 16.6 percent still had a poor level of QoL. A total of 86.7 percent of elderly lived in an NH due to compulsion, and more than half (53.6 percent) perceived inadequacy of care. The QoL was significantly low amongst those who live in NHs due to compulsion, no social support resources, not receiving any kind of support, having three chronic diseases and perceived inadequacy of care (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that perceived adequacy of care reasons for living in NH was associated with QoL (p<0.001). Originality/value Perceived adequacy of care and reason for living in an NH were highlighted as predictors of QoL amongst elderly NH residents. Improving adequate healthcare services and developing treatment strategies to enforce the adaptation process is required in order to maintain the QoL in elderly NH residents.

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