Coping with intimate partner violence among young sexual minority men: A qualitative approach

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among sexual minority men (SMM) and is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. While a limited body of research has examined help-seeking and its potential barriers among SMM who have experienced IPV, less research has explored other forms of coping with IPV within this population. Moreover, the contextual factors that inform the use of specific coping strategies and their perceived effectiveness are not well understood. To address this gap in the literature, the present study used a qualitative design with a demographically diverse sample of (n = 25) young sexual minority men (YSMM) to (1) build on current understanding of help-seeking and its potential barriers; (2) identify coping strategies used beyond help-seeking; and (3) explore contextual factors surrounding the use of these strategies. Results indicated that participants used the following strategies to cope with IPV: help-seeking (e.g., informal and formal support), distraction (e.g., substance use, casual sex, and other general distractions), cognitive reappraisal, venting, denial, and avoidance of future relationships. Participants additionally reported several barriers to help-seeking. The narratives that emerged from this study are considered within the scope of the current literature, and implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.