Predictors of internalized homonegativity in Norwegian men who have sex with men (MSM)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between internalized homonegativity (IH) and individual, psychological, and social factors in a self-selected sample in Norway of men who have sex with men (MSM). To investigate this relationship, a cross-sectional, online survey study was carried out in 2012 among a self-selected sample of 529 MSM. The following three dimensions of IH were investigated: “Personal comfort with a gay identity”, “Social comfort with gay men,” and “Public identification as gay.” When controlling for the effect of psychological and social factors, there was no relationship between individual factors and dimensions of IH. Openness about one’s sexual orientation was the best predictor for all IH dimensions. In addition, MSM who had a less negative affect, felt fewer social consequences, and experienced less shame related to sexual compulsiveness had less IH related to “Personal identity as a gay man” than others. Respondents who were open about their sexual orientation and had a positive affect status had less IH related to “Social comfort with gay men” than others. Finally, MSM who were open about their sexual orientation and had higher sexual self-esteem had less IH related to “Public identification as gay.”