Self-in-love versus self-in-stigma: implications of relationship quality and love attitudes on self-stigma and mental health among HIV-positive men having sex with men

Abstract

The present study examines the mediating effect of love attitude on the associations between relationship quality with self-stigma and mental health among HIV-positive men having sex with men (MSM). Participants included 211 HIV-positive MSM (M = 41.77 years, SD = 11.10) and they were assessed on their relationship quality, love attitudes, HIV-positive self-stigma, and mental health. Structural equation modeling showed that the model fit the data well, χ(50) = 152.80, p < .05, comparative fit index = .94, non-normed fit index = .92, standardized root mean square residual = .08. The indirect effect of perceived relationship quality on self-stigma was significant through love attitude. The indirect effect of love attitude on mental health was significant through reduced self-stigma. The outcomes differed by the number of partners, partner's knowledge of HIV-positive status, relationship nature, and marital status. Implications for developing a positive self-in-love to diminish self-stigma were discussed.

Cognitive, Regulatory, and Interpersonal Mechanisms of HIV Stigma on the Mental and Social Health of Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With HIV

“…In a sample of sexual minority adolescents, Martin-Storey and Crosnoe (2012) further revealed that those who experienced sexual orientation-based harassment were more likely to report negative self-perception, which predisposed them to depression. Similarly, findings reported that having a negative sense of self might disrupt social functioning in sexual minorities (Crawford, Allison, Zamboni, & Soto, 2002; Yang, Mak, Ho, & Chidgey, 2017).…”

Addressing Minority Stress and Mental Health among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in China

“…A study with MSM in China newly diagnosed with HIV measured four types of HIV stigma (enacted, felt, vicarious, and internalized) and found that internalized HIV stigma to most strongly correlate with depression [62]. Two other studies also found internalized HIV stigma to strongly predict mental health [49,71]. A study with MSM living with HIV in Hong Kong measured both perceived and internalized HIV stigma and specifically focused on perceived HIV stigma within the MSM community [38].…”

Violência e vulnerabilidade ao HIV/AIDS em jovens homossexuais e bissexuais

“…Sexual orientation is one of the five main causes of aggressive and violent behavior of students. However, it leads to repercussions for the healthcare area, since it involves determinants on the healthillness-care process of students (7) and implies the quality of relationships and self-esteem of young men who have sex with men, (11) which are aspects found in this study. It is up to educators and healthcare professionals to exhaustively search for information and dialogues that value peace and respect for differences.…”

“…(9) Love does not seem to be the only element of rupture of these preconditions, but the deep fragility of recognizing them-selves, caused by the violence experienced and lack of emotional support. (11) Bullying is a common problem in the education area. Sexual orientation is one of the five main causes of aggressive and violent behavior of students.…”