Background Minority stress is an important risk factor for sexual problems in gay and bisexual men. It remains unclear whether and to what extent this stress is associated with the sexual quality of life in these groups. Aim To investigate the significance of minority stress as a factor explaining the sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men. Methods The analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the importance of minority stress in explaining the sexual quality of life in a group of 1,486 non-heterosexual men in the context of other predictors, including demographics, the level of current sexual function, sexual patterns and experiences, and mental and physical health. We used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer’s Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. The level of sexual functioning was evaluated using 2 scales, the International Index of Erectile Functioning and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Data on the remaining predictors were obtained using a survey that we developed. Main Outcome Measures The men’s sexual quality of life as rated on the Sexual Quality of Life Scale for Men was a dependent variable. Results Internalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and sexual minority negative events (β = −0.09; P < .001) were statistically significant predictors of sexual quality of life in non-heterosexual men. Internalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and erectile function (β = 0.29, P < .001) turned out to be the strongest predictors. Sexual orientation (gay vs bisexual) and its interactions with individual processes of minority stress were statistically nonsignificant. Clinical Implications To evaluate and improve the sexual quality of life of non-heterosexual men, it is necessary to consider not only their sexual function, but also the minority stress they experience, particularly internalized homophobia. Strengths & Limitations The major strengths of the study include a large sample size, a comprehensive assessment of minority stress, and the previously understudied Central European cultural context. The major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, and cross-sectional design. Conclusion Internalized homophobia predicts poorer sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men in Poland.

At the beginning of psychotherapy the majority of patients demonstrated high intensity of both trait and state anxiety. In the course of therapy a considerable reduction of intensity of trait and state anxiety is observed. Significant deterioration in trait anxiety is observed in one out of every thirteen treated patients. Polish adaptation of STAI questionnaire is a useful tool for monitoring effectiveness of psychotherapy and may be successfully applied for screening and detailed diagnosis of neurotic and personality disorders.

Short-term intensive comprehensive group psychotherapy with elements of individual psychotherapy leads to desirable changes in personality functioning.

IntroductionGastrointestinal symptoms are very common in the general population. Many of them coincide with mental disorders (especially with neuroses, stress-related disorders, somatisation disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and anxiety) that are associated with psychological trauma, conflicts, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.AimAssessment of the association between gastrointestinal complaints and stressful situations in relationships, among patients admitted to day hospital for neurotic and behavioural disorders.Material and methodsAnalysis of the likelihood of co-occurrence of abdominal symptoms and stressful situations, reported by patients before admission, in a large group of subjects treated with psychotherapy.ResultsGastrointestinal symptoms were highly prevalent in the studied group (they were reported by 40–50% of patients). The most common complaints in women were: loss of appetite (52%), nausea (49%), and constipation and flatulence (45%). In men the most prevalent symptoms were: loss of appetite (47%), heartburn (44%), and flatulence (43%). Functional gastrointestinal symptoms (especially vomiting in cases of nervousness in females or heartburn in males) were significantly associated with greater likelihood of current difficulties in interpersonal relationships, such as conflicts with partner/spouse or parent.ConclusionsThe results suggest that in many cases symptoms of anxiety disorders or somatisation disorders coexisted with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.

The Neurotic Personality Inventory KON-2006 appears to be an adequate tool to assess the results of intensive, comprehensive psychotherapy, conducted in the day hospital for neurotic and behavioral disorders.