Black heterosexual college men’s masculinity dimensions, protective behavioral intentions, and sexual risk behaviors

Abstract

Objective To examine the associations of dimensions of masculinity—respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality—with sexual risk behaviors and protective behavioral intentions and the effects of awareness of anti-Blackness. Participants 127 Black heterosexual men were recruited from four Historically Black Colleges and Universities and one Minority Serving Institution in the South. Methods Students completed an online survey as part of a pilot study to assess the sexual health needs of Black college students. Results Our results indicated that respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality were significant correlates of protective behavioral intentions. After accounting for awareness of anti-Blackness and age, anti-femininity/hypersexuality was a significant correlate of sexual risk behaviors. Conclusions Our study highlights the complex multi-dimensional construct of masculinity and how forms of anti-Blackness continue to influence HIV vulnerability. Therefore, there is a need to include structural factors within research to better understand behaviors among Black college men and incorporate dimensions of masculinity that promote healthy sexual behaviors in interventions and programming.