Factors associated with intention of HIV testing among Asian American men: a path analysis.

Research has pointed to myriad cultural and socio-psychological factors associated with HIV testing, such as acculturation, social norms about HIV testing, masculinity, homonegativity, and constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior. However, the interrelationships of these factors on the intentions of HIV testing among the population of Asian American men remains unknown. A dataset of 425 Asian American men in the U.S., collected online with convenience sampling method during 2020-2021, was analyzed to test a conceptual framework that aimed to fill this gap. Results from a path model with two endogenous variables (homonegativity and HIV testing intention) indicated that perceived social norms about HIV testing, attitude about HIV testing, and perceived HIV risk had directandindirect relationships with the intentions of HIV testing in the study population. However, social norms about HIV testing and perceived HIV risk showed stronger direct effects (standardized estimates = 0.37 and 0.34, respectively, p-value < 0.001). Additionally, we found that the relationships of these factors with HIV testing intention were also mediated by homonegativity. Findings from this study advance our understanding of pathways of associations between a host of cultural and socio-psychological factors with HIV testing intention among an understudied population - Asian American men. Our results will help inform the development of future intervention programs to increase HIV testing in this population.

The Association Between Active Membership in Voluntary Organizations and Homonegativity.

OBJECTIVES:  Homonegativity adversely affects the health and well-being of homosexuals in society, making it vital to identify factors associated with it. This study investigates whether active membership in voluntary organizations correlates with homonegativity, examining how this varies by gender and age. METHODS:  Using the World Values Survey data (2017-2022) from 87,777 participants in 63 countries, we performed binary logistic regression to assess relationships between homonegativity and factors including socioeconomic status, demographics, and voluntary activity participation. RESULTS:  Our findings suggest that active membership in certain voluntary organizations correlates with homonegativity levels among both men and women across various age groups. Specifically, active participation in sports or recreational organizations, professional associations, art, music, or educational organizations, and humanitarian or charitable organizations was found to be negatively correlated with homonegativity in specific gender-age groups, albeit with varying degrees of association strength. CONCLUSION:  This study highlights the complex relationship between engagement in voluntary organizations and attitudes toward homosexuality, with significant differences observed across gender and age. While identifying a correlation rather than causation, this study suggests the importance of societal and community participation in fostering more tolerant views toward homosexuals. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that demographic and socioeconomic variables, the political freedom of the respondent's country, and the respondent's life satisfaction are also linked to homonegativity.

The Role of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance in Predicting Proximal Minority Stressors among Gay and Lesbian People in Italy.

As has been widely documented, minority stress affects the psychosocial well-being of gay and lesbian people. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to psychological factors that may influence the level of minority stress experienced, in order to explain individual differences in perceptions of proximal minority stressors. The present research aimed at assessing the effect of attachment avoidance and anxiety on levels of perceived stigma and internalized homonegativity. A total of 163 participants who self-identified as lesbian or gay (Mage = 32.56, SD = 10.87) were recruited and responded to the self-report questionnaires. Two multiple regression models were applied to assess the association between adult attachment and perceived stigma and internalized homonegativity. Results showed a positive association between attachment anxiety and avoidance and internalized homonegativity, as well as between attachment avoidance and perceived stigma. The emerging results demonstrate the impact of attachment anxiety and avoidance on proximal minority stressors and provide useful data for interventions addressing lesbian and gay people aimed at promoting security-based strategies of affect regulation and positive representations of self and others, which in turn may reduce the level of proximal minority stressors experienced and promote psychosocial well-being.

Heterosexual, Lesbian, and Gay Adults' Reactions to Same-Gender versus Other-Gender Flirtation: Findings from a German Study.

Using a vignette methodology, this study examined reactions to same-gender versus other-gender flirtation in a sample of 445 German young adults: 320 participants with a heterosexual orientation and 125 participants with a lesbian or gay (LG) orientation. Even in LG-friendly societies as Germany, receiving advances from someone of the same gender might still evoke heterosexuals' homonegativity. Another factor that might influence heterosexuals' reactions to same-gender flirtation is the fear of being misidentified as LG (social contagion concerns). Contrary to hypothesis, results provided little evidence to classify heterosexual participants' reactions to same-gender flirters as homonegative. Firstly, heterosexual participants showed the same degree of negative affect and avoidance behavior in the same-gender flirtation condition as LG participants did in the other-gender flirtation condition. Only positive affect scores were somewhat lower for heterosexual participants in the same-gender flirtation condition compared to LG participants in the other-gender flirtation condition. Secondly, when anti-LG attitudes and social contagion concerns were considered together, only social contagion concerns contributed to explaining variance in heterosexual participants' response to same-gender flirters. Specifically, the impact of social contagion concerns on heterosexual participants' avoidance of same-gender flirters was mediated by (lacking) positive affect, but not negative affect.

Sexual Orientation, Health, and Well-Being in Spanish People.

Although several studies have found disparities in health outcomes between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)-identifying individuals, few studies have focused on subjective well-being and protective factors for health and well-being. The purpose of this work is twofold: (1) to examine the relevance of sexual orientation to health and well-being in women and men; (2) to identify protective and risk factors for psychological distress, self-rated health, and well-being for gay men, lesbian women, bisexual women and men, and heterosexual women and men. The sample consisted of 908 women and 586 men from the general Spanish population aged 16-64, half of whom identified themselves as LGB and half as heterosexual. All were assessed using eight questionnaires and inventories. The results showed that differences varied depending on the health indicator considered. In general, bisexuals had the poorest health, with lower self-rated health and lower self-esteem. In all groups, self-esteem was a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with better health and well-being. To a lesser extent, social support served as a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with greater well-being in all groups. It is concluded that although sexual orientation is relevant to the health and well-being of individuals, there are differences among sexual minorities, with bisexuals having lower self-esteem than homosexuals.

Validez e invariancia de medida de la Escala de Homonegatividad Moderna en alumnado del ámbito de la educación / Validity and measurement invariance of the Modern Homonegativi-ty Scale for students in the field of education

Aquellas investigaciones orientadas a analizar las actitudes hacia la homosexualidad sugieren el uso de instrumentos que detecten los aspectos sutiles en la discriminación hacia hombres gais y mujeres lesbianas. Asimismo, se señala que la invariancia de medida de los constructos es imprescindible para que las comparaciones entre grupos sean válidas. Este trabajo pretende validar la Escala de Homonegatividad Moderna (MHS) en estudiantes universitarios del ámbito de la educación (N = 1.283) con un rango de edad entre los 17 y los 49 años (M = 2.88; DT = 3,02). Del mismo modo, se interesa por examinar la invariancia de medida de la MHS en relación con ciertas variables sociodemográficas y personales (p. ej. identidad de género), así como ideológicas (p. ej. inclinación política). Los resultados aportaron evidencias sobre la unidimensionalidad de la escala y un alto grado de consistencia interna (wMHS-G = .879; wMHS-L = .906), además de unos índices de ajuste (CFIMHS-G = .95, CFIMHS-L = .97; RMSEAMHS-G = .064, 90% IC: .057-.071, RMSEAMHS-L = .059, 90% IC: .052-.066) y unos valores de validez externa (MHS-G y AN-T: r = .753, I.C. 95% = .722-.785; MHS-L y AN-T: r = .76. I.C. 95% = .730-.790) satisfactorios. Asimismo, sugirieron que tanto la subescala hacia hombres gais (MHS-G) como mujeres lesbianas (MHS-L) son constructos invariantes conforme a las variables estudiadas. Las conclusiones apuntan a la validez y la invariancia de medida del modelo propuesto para comparar los niveles de homonegatividad moderna entre los grupos estudiados.(AU)

The research aimed at analysing attitudes towards homosexuality recommends the use of instruments that can detect subtle aspects of dis-crimination against gay men and lesbian women. It also asserts that the measurement invariance of constructs is essential for valid comparisons between groups. The present study aims to validate the Modern Ho-monegativity Scale (MHS) in university students in the fieldof education (N= 1.283) with an age range of 17 to 49 years old (M = 2.88; SD = 3.02). In addition, we seekto examine the measurement invariance of the MHS in relation to certain sociodemographic and personal variables (e.g. gender identity), as well as ideological variables (e.g. political inclination). The re-sults provided evidence of the scale'sunidimensionality and a high degree of internal consistency (MHS-G= .879; MHS-L= .906), as well as satisfac-tory fit indices (CFIMHS-G= .95, CFIMHS-L= .97; RMSEAMHS-G= .064, 90% CI: .057-.071, RMSEAMHS-L= .059, 90% CI: .052-.066) and external validity values (MHS-G and AN-T: r= .753, CI 95% = .722-.785; MHS-L and AN-T: r= .76. CI 95% = .730-.790). They also indicated that both the subscales –towards gay men (MHS-G) and lesbian women (MHS-L) –are invariant constructs according to the variables studied. The findings point to the validity and measurement invariance of the proposed model for comparing levels of modern homonegativity between the groups studied.(AU)

A Pilot Study of Metacognitive Training in U.S. Republican Leaners: Reducing Polarization Toward LGBTIQ+ Persons.

Negative attitudes and stigmatization toward sexual minorities is a cause of minority stress of non-heterosexual persons on an individual level and has a negative impact on democratic coexistence in postmodern, plural society on a societal level. Derived from clinical research, we developed a short metacognitive training (MCT) intended to induce doubt toward inaccurate beliefs about LGBTIQ+ persons. We expected this MCT to reduce homonegativity, threat perceptions of LGBTIQ+ persons, and to foster extended outgroup tolerance compared to an education and a no-treatment control condition. We tested this hypothesis in U.S. Republican leaners who represent a social group that is likely to hold homonegative attitudes. We randomly assigned 490 U.S. Republican leaners to an MCT condition comprising 16 questions and respective answers (n = 166) vs. an education control condition (n = 164) vs. a no-treatment control condition (n = 160). We found that Republican leaners after receiving MCT (1) had a significant reduction of homonegativity (ds ≥ 0.28), (2) significantly perceived LGBTIQ+ persons as less threatening (ds ≥ 0.30), and (3) were significantly more tolerant of various outgroups such as LGBTIQ+ persons, feminists, liberals, and climate activists (ds ≥ 0.23) relative to both control conditions. The small effects of this short intervention and the possibility of systematically applying MCT in social discourse to reduce homonegativity with its potential significance for LGBTIQ+ individuals' mental health are discussed. Furthermore, we highlight this pilot study's significance toward intervention possibilities regarding political division and polarization in postmodern, democratic societies.

Homonegativity, binegativity, and transnegativity among substance use treatment practitioners in the United States.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people have an elevated risk for substance use disorder relative to heterosexual and cisgender people. Scholars have predominantly explained this disparity as resulting from LGBT people's chronic exposure to interpersonal and structural stigma and discrimination. Despite their front-line role in serving LGBT people with substance use disorder, investigations of homonegativity, binegativity, and transnegativity among substance use treatment practitioners have been limited. An online survey of 225 practitioners examined levels of homonegativity, binegativity, and transnegativity and their demographic and socio-political correlates. Levels of homonegativity were lower than those of binegativity and transnegativity. Educational attainment, connectedness to LGBT people, and having a liberal political identity were associated with lower homonegativity, binegativity and transnegativity, while religiosity was associated with higher scores in all categories. Addressing substance use treatment practitioners' stigma toward LGBT people, particularly bisexual and transgender people, should be prioritized. Substance use treatment organizations are recommended to examine how their policies and practices may perpetuate structural stigma toward LGBT people.

Comfort with LGB people and attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Continental American Hispanic Nations.

Negative attitudes toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) individuals leads to a perceived inability of LGB individuals to foster 'appropriate' family relationships, inciting negative attitudes specifically toward same-sex parenting. Intergroup and interpersonal relationships play a critical role in fostering attitudes toward others wherein type of contact, frequency, degree of closeness in the relationship, and the positivity/negativity of interactions are potential mediator of these relations, Moreover, the mechanism behind co-constructing positive relationships with sexual and gender minorities is comfort with contact with LGB individuals. The present study explored the effects of interpersonal contact and the mediator role of comfort with LGB people in explaining attitudes toward same-sex parenting in Spanish-speaking countries in North, Central, and South America. These countries are of particular interest given the dearth of research in the region on attitudes toward same-sex parenting as well as the varying degrees of acceptance of and protections for same-sex parented families. A non-probabilistic sample of 1955 heterosexual cisgender participants from 14 countries was asked to complete a series of sociodemographic questions, a questionnaire about their interpersonal contact/comfort experiences with LGB people, and the Attitudes Toward Gay and Lesbian Parenting Scale. Results showed that comfort was vital in fostering accepting attitudes toward Same-Sex Parenting across countries. Findings also suggested that comfort with LGB people has a particularly powerful influence in regions with less legal and cultural acceptance of LGB individuals. Policies are not enough to instill widespread change: we must encourage, facilitate, and supervise the formation of relationships with LGB people.

Personality Traits, Ideology, and Attitudes Toward LGBT People: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review investigates the existing literature regarding personality traits, ideology, gender roles, and attitudes toward LGBT people. The review was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases. After establishing inclusion- and exclusion criteria, 12 studies published between 2013 and 2023 were reviewed, three themes (personality traits, gender roles and differences, and political ideology) were identified through thematic analysis. Several of the studies reported a relation between the personality traits Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, and homo- and transnegative attitudes. In particular, lower levels of Agreeableness, high levels of Conscientiousness, and lower levels of Extraversion were related to prejudice. The Dark Triad, especially the antagonistic traits Psychopathy and Machiavellianism, had a strong association with homo- and transnegativity. Multiple studies showed a connection between negative attitudes and ideological views. Especially right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) were strong predictors of negative attitudes toward LGBT people. The majority of the studies also reported a significant gender difference in attitudes, with men being more prone to exhibit prejudice toward LGBT people than women. There are practical implications of this review relating to interventions which may target the prevention of homo and trans-negative attitudes, promoting inclusion and integration.

Internalized Homonegativity and Sexual Quality of Life in Italian Lesbian and Bisexual Women.

This study investigates the relationship between sexual quality of life (SQoL) and internalized homonegativity among Italian lesbian and bisexual cisgender women, drawing on the minority stress model. The aim of this study is to compare levels of internalized homonegativity and SQoL between the two groups, exploring the association between these variables. We used a quantitative methodology based on a questionnaire. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from 686 women, including 217 lesbians and 469 bisexuals, using the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and the Female-Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and linear regression, were performed to assess group differences and predictors of SQoL. The findings support the hypothesis that bisexual women may experience higher levels of internalized homonegativity. Additionally, the study reveals disparities in SQoL, with lesbian women reporting better outcomes. The linear regression model confirmed a significant negative association between internalized homonegativity and SQoL. The results highlight the need for further research on factors influencing sexual well-being in sexual minority women, and the need to give thorough attention to specific sexual identities in clinical and research practice.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Health of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults: Identification of Risk and Protective Health Factors and Development of a Model of Health and Disease.

It is important to understand the differential impact of COVID-19 on the health of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and people with other sexual orientations and forms of gender expression (LGBTQIA+). The objective of this study is to systematically review the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQIA+ older adults' health including risk and protective factors. We reviewed a total of 167 records including LGBTQIA+ older adults published since 2019. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and extracted information of 21 full-text records meeting inclusion criteria using COVIDENCE software. The results show that the negative health consequences are exacerbated by personal risk (e.g., perceived homo/transphobia and ageism in LGBTQIA+ communities) and environmental factors (e.g., heterosexism within health services). The negative impact seems to be reduced by personal protective (e.g., resilience, spirituality, and hobbies) and environmental factors (e.g., technology use to increase social participation and social rituals). In conclusion, the health of LGBTQIA+ older adults has been disproportionately affected during the pandemic associated to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19). The experiences of LGBTQIA+ older adults during the pandemic are integrated in a Model of Health and Disease for LGBTQIA+ older adults. Specific strategies to promote health and well-being in this community are provided.

Internalized Homonegativity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physical Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Psychological Mediation Framework-Based Model.

Same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV) is still under-investigated despite its spreading. Unique risk factors, such as internalized homonegativity, have been found to be related to physical SSIPV perpetration. However, the mechanisms that regulate this association are still unclear. Drawing from the psychological mediation framework (PMF), this paper aimed to explore the relationship between internalized homonegativity and physical SSIPV perpetration, assessing the mediating role of emotion dysregulation. In all, 139 gay and lesbian participants involved in same-sex relationships participated in the study by completing a self-administered online questionnaire. Mediation analyses were used to assess both the direct and indirect effects. Internalized homonegativity was not directly associated with physical SSIPV perpetration. However, internalized homonegativity was positively associated with emotion dysregulation, which, in turn, was positively associated with physical SSIPV perpetration. The indirect effect of internalized homonegativity on physical SSIPV perpetration through emotion dysregulation was also confirmed. The results that emerged extend the application of the PMF to SSIPV. The data found can inform both preventive interventions and treatments targeting SSIPV perpetrators to reduce the phenomenon and limit recidivism.

Femmephobia Is a Uniquely Powerful Predictor of Anti-Gay Behavior.

The current study explored a form of femmephobia (specifically, negative attitudes toward femininity in men) as a predictor of anti-gay behaviors among a sample of heterosexual men (N = 417). Additional predictor variables included hierarchical worldviews (i.e., social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, narcissism) and prejudicial attitudes (i.e., old-fashioned and modern homonegativity). Femmephobia emerged as a robust predictor, accounting for 23% of the variance in anti-gay behavior, surpassing the explanatory power (15%) of all other considered variables combined. Moreover, social dominance only predicted anti-gay behavior when femmephobia levels were high. Future research on discrimination and violence related to sexual identity and gender expression should incorporate femmephobia as a key predictive factor.

Internalized Homonegativity and Psychological Distress Among Chinese Gay Men: The Mediating Role of Loneliness and the Moderating Role of Authoritarian Filial Piety.

Purpose: Previous research has consistently found that internalized homonegativity is a salient predictor of psychological distress, but how and when this relationship occurs is unclear, especially among Chinese sexual minority individuals, who are less frequently studied in the literature. This study explored whether the cultural norm of filial piety moderates the indirect association between internalized homonegativity and psychological problems (i.e., symptoms of anxiety and depression) through a sense of loneliness. Methods: To study this question, data were collected from 426 self-identified gay men in China, from February to July 2021, using an online platform. Demographic data, loneliness, authoritarian filial piety (AFP), and internalized homonegativity were measured in this cross-sectional study. Results: In the direct and mediation models, internalized homonegativity had a significant association with psychological distress. In the moderated mediation model, AFP strengthened the effect of internalized homonegativity on loneliness. The indirect positive effect of internalized homonegativity on psychological distress through loneliness was stronger for participants with higher AFP. Conclusions: Loneliness appears to play a role in the relationship between internalized homonegativity and psychological distress. Intervention programs for reducing psychological distress among sexual minority individuals should especially target gay men who endorse high levels of AFP because as a group, their internalized homonegativity is more likely to have a stronger impact on psychological health through loneliness compared with those with low levels of AFP.

Sexual Orientation-Based Victimization and Internalized Homonegativity Among Latinx Sexual Minority Youth: The Moderating Effects of Social Support and School Level.

Latinx sexual minority adolescents and young adults experience sexual orientation-based victimization at school and may internalize these heterosexist experiences. However, social support may buffer the deleterious contributions of sexual orientation-based victimization. The current study explored associations between sexual orientation-based victimization and internalized homonegativity in different social contexts (family, peer, school adult) and across development (high school versus college) among 238 Latinx sexual minority adolescents and young adults (M = 19.03, SD = 2.28). Results indicated that sexual orientation-based victimization was positively associated with internalized homonegativity among Latinx sexual minority adolescents and young adults. Such associations were moderated by family support and the school level in the family context, such that in high school, family support exacerbated the association between sexual orientation-based victimization and internalized homonegativity. Yet, in college, family support mitigated that association. Findings also indicated that peer support exacerbated the association between sexual orientation-based victimization and internalized homonegativity in high school and college. No moderation of school adult support emerged in the context of school adults. Findings support the application of the minority stress model in Latinx sexual minority adolescents and young adults and highlight the complex moderating effect of social support across social contexts and development.

Black sexual minority women's Internalized stigma and coping motivated alcohol use: the role of emotional suppression.

Black sexual minority women have an increased risk for excessive alcohol use, which has been attributed to their use of alcohol to cope with oppression. Internalized stigma is suggested to be one of the most insidious byproducts of systemic oppression whereby people internalize ideologies of self-hatred. Still, research has yet to examine the association between internalized stigma and alcohol use among sexual minorities of color. This survey-based study investigated the associations between internalized homonegativity and internalized racism with coping motivated alcohol use among 330 Black sexual minority women. Additionally, we explored the role of emotional suppression within these associations. Internalized homonegativity was significantly positively associated with coping motivated alcohol use. The significant positive association between internalized racism and coping motivated alcohol use was strongest at higher levels of emotional suppression. Given the majority of our sample identified as having a masculine gender expression, we recommend research exploring whether the identity-based experiences of masculine Black sexual minority women impact their substance use behaviors. Implications for culturally sensitive and emotion-centered practice with Black sexual minority women are discussed.

Internalized homonegativity moderates the association between attachment avoidance and emotional intimacy among same-sex male couples.

Introduction: The present study aimed to examine dyadic associations between attachment insecurity and emotional intimacy in same-sex male couples, and to investigate whether and how each partner's internalized homonegativity (IH) moderated these associations. Methods: The sample included 138 same-sex male couples. Both dyad members completed self-report measures of attachment insecurity, emotional intimacy, and IH. The actor-partner interdependence model with moderation analysis was applied. Results: Indicated that higher levels of actor's and partner's attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with lower actor's emotional intimacy. IH moderated the partner effects of attachment avoidance on emotional intimacy. The partner's higher attachment avoidance was associated with one's own lower emotional intimacy at low (but not high) levels of one's own IH and at high (but not low) levels of the partner's IH. Discussion: Findings suggest that the partner's attachment avoidance may differently affect one's own emotional intimacy depending on the IH levels of both dyad members. Helping partnered sexual minority men decrease attachment insecurity while recognizing their own and their partners' IH may promote relationship quality.

Attitudes towards Trans Men and Women in Spain: An Adaptation of the ATTMW Scale.

This article presents the results of the adaptation and validation of the Attitudes Toward Trans Men and Women (ATTMW) scale-a measure capable of detecting transphobic positions towards trans men and women-in the Spanish context. A total of 310 prospective teachers from different stages of education participated in the study on its adaptation. In order to provide quantitative evidence of validity, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis with different constructs and sociodemographic variables were carried out. Internal consistency reliability was adequate. The study demonstrated that the ATTMW is a psychometrically sound instrument for the assessment of attitudes towards trans people, especially with items that categorize trans women and men as second-class people.

Contextual Influence of School-Level Gender Role Attitudes and Sexual Prejudice on Allyship, Bullying, and Internalized Homonegativity.

Previous studies have primarily used an individual differences approach to identify dispositional factors associated with bullying behavior, which often neglect the broader school context in which bullying occurs. The present study used a multilevel research design to examine the contextual influence of school normative climate on allyship, bullying, and internalized homonegativity. The study included 3020 students (M = 15.83 years, SD = 1.50) from ten secondary schools in China. The results showed that school-level gender role attitudes were positively associated with bullying perpetration among heterosexual students as well as bullying victimization and internalized homonegativity among LGBQA+ students. In addition, there was a negative association between school-level sexual prejudice and allyship among heterosexual students. The findings demonstrate the contextual influence of school normative climate and highlight the need for regular school climate assessments, so that appropriate instructions, policies, and practices can be implemented to address gender biases and homophobia and the resulting bullying behavior.