Library Bulletin - Journal Articles - February 2010
SEXUALITY
CASEY, M. Addressing key theoretical approaches to gay male sexual identity: issues and insights for practitioners of mental health. Critical Public Health Vol 19, No 3-4 - September-December 2009: 293-305
Abstract: This article seeks to draw attention to understandings of sexual identity and practice beyond essentialist notions of sexuality for mental health professionals working with gay men. A number of key studies and articles are explored in the article, which offer both historical and contemporary discussions of sexuality in mental health research and the social sciences. Initially, the article examines the important changes in approaches to and understandings of homosexuality and gay male identity by mental health professionals. In so doing, it considers the strengths and limits of recent studies by Diaz et al. (2001) and Sandfort et al. (2006) into mental health and homosexuality. The article then goes on to highlight approaches to gay male identity within the social sciences, focusing, in particular, on the work of Richardson (1987) and the value of social constructionist approaches to sexuality for therapists and practitioners. Work by Gray (2000) is then drawn upon which he examines the worth and value of using social constructionist accounts of sexuality in therapeutic practice. The aim of the article is to draw attention to the limits of essentialist notions of sexuality and the potential value of social constructionist accounts of sexual identity for those working with gay men and their mental health needs.
FILIAULT, Shaun M and DRUMMOND, Murray J N. Methods and methodologies: investigating gay men's body image in Westernized cultures. Critical Public Health Vol 19, No 3-4 - September-December 2009: 307-323
Abstract: In the period from 2000 to 2007, 45 peer-reviewed articles have been published regarding body image in gay men from Westernized cultures. Despite that academic focus on gay men's bodies, little attention has been paid to the methods and methodologies used to generate that knowledge. This article conducted a systematic literature review of the peer-reviewed articles published during that eight-year period so as to engage in an analysis and critique of the methods used in gay male body image research. Emergent themes from the review included the need for improved recruitment methods, the precarious role of the Internet in body image research, a need for clarity regarding the definition of homosexuality and bisexuality, a lack of longitudinal data, the need for psychometric standardization, and openness regarding methodology on the part of qualitative research. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
FRANSSENS, Dirk and HOSPERS, Harm J and others. Social-cognitive determinants of condom use in a cohort of young gay and bisexual men. AIDS Care Vol 21, No 11 - November 2009: 1471-1479
Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to identify relevant determinants of young gay and bisexual men's (YGBM) condom use when having anal sex with casual partners. Respondents (185 YGBM in the midst of their coming-out; mean age 18.9 years) completed an online questionnaire on social-cognitive determinants of condoms use derived from the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) at Wave 1. At six months follow-up (Wave 2) sexual behavior with casual partners was assessed. A total of 63 YGBM reported sex with a casual partner in the six months between Waves 1 and 2, of whom 49% (N=31) had anal sex. Of the YGBM who had anal sex, 42% (N=13) had unprotected anal sex. Condom use with casual partners was best predicted by the intention to always use condoms. Furthermore, attitude, descriptive and personal norms, and perceived control significantly predicted intention to always use condoms. Interventions, targeting YGBM, aiming to promote condom use with casual partners should focus on increasing attitudes and strengthening skills to negotiate and use condoms.
O'HIGGINS-NORMAN, James. Straight talking : explorations on homosexuality and homophobia in secondary schools in Ireland. Sex Education Vol 9, No 4 - November 2009: 381-393
Abstract: This paper outlines research that was conducted among students, parents, teachers and senior management teams in six secondary schools in the Greater Dublin area of Ireland. The research involved semi-structured interviews and observations. The findings of this research are significant in that it was the first time any data had been gathered on this topic directly from those within the school system. Overall, the qualitative nature of the data allowed us to obtain an insight into how students, parents, teachers and senior management teams understand and experience homosexuality and the related issued of homophobic bullying in their schools. As a dimension of relationships and sexuality education in Irish secondary schools, sexual orientation is very much a peripheral issue. However, the data from this study show that the impact of not having a mainstream approach to sexual orientation within schools results in fear, negative stereotypes, and worse still discriminatory and bullying behaviour.
SCHWAPPACH, David L B. Queer Quit : Gay smokers' perspectives on a culturally specific smoking cessation service. Health Expectations Vol 12, No 4 - December 2009: 383-395
Abstract: Background: The prevalence of smoking is high among gay males. The need for culturally specific support has been acknowledged, but little is known about gay men's perspectives on such adapted interventions. Objective: To investigate smoking and intention to quit in gay smokers and to explore their attitudes towards a gay-specific smoking cessation programme. Design: Quantitative survey and focus groups. Setting and participants: A total of 325 gay smokers living in Zurich (Switzerland) completed an anonymous survey. Thirteen males participated in two focus groups, theoretically sampled to reflect heterogeneity in terms of age, HIV serostatus and smoking histories. Participants were personally recruited at a variety of events and through advertisements. Results: Responders reported high consumption of cigarettes, and every second man stated that more than half of his gay friends smoke regularly. The majority planned their quit within the next 6 months. Idealizing attitudes towards smoking were very common. Men stated strong preferences towards a culturally adapted cessation programme for gay men. Higher age, high nicotine dependence, intention to quit, smoking stereotypes and fears for weight gain were significant predictors for interest in participation in the programme. Qualitative results indicate that men felt torn between their wish for support, bonding, and community alternatives to the 'smoking gay' environment and fears for failure and loss of reputation. Conclusions: Gay men reported likely use of a gay-specific intervention. Such interventions may offer support in abstaining from smoking, without abstaining from gay social life. Health-care providers play an important role in communicating the serious threats caused by smoking to gay men.