Abstract
Background: Nationally, HIV incidence is rising rapidly among young (18–24 years old) men who have sex with men (YMSM). Knowledge of safer sex generally enhances self-efficacy for safer sex, an important predictor of safer-sex behaviors. Recent findings suggest that a strong negative social emotion (i.e., shame) increases YMSM’s sexual risk-taking. Unchangeable shame (e.g., desire for other men) might undermine (moderate) the link between knowledge and self-efficacy or between self-efficacy and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI): this may be less likely for changeable shame (e.g., shame about risky sexual behavior).Aim: To test the hypotheses that shame (i.e., sexual desire shame), but not shame about behavior (i.e., sexual behavior shame), will be positively related to UAI and will moderate the relationship between knowledge and self-efficacy and/or self-efficacy and UAI among YMSM.Method: In an online national study, 1177 young adult (18–24 years old) MSM reported one or more acts of UAI in the past 90 days with a casual partner. Eligible MSM filled out a survey in which they provided information about their knowledge of safer sex, self-efficacy for safer sex, reported levels of shame, and reported past 90-day UAI.Results: Sexual desire shame was negatively correlated with knowledge and self-efficacy and positively correlated with UAI, the pattern reversed for sexual behavior shame. Sexual desire shame significantly lowered the knowledge to self-efficacy and the self-efficacy to UAI links. Sexual behavior shame also reduced the link from knowledge to self-efficacy, but not the self-efficacy to UAI link.Conclusion: The present study shows that there are different types of shame that may produce different effects with different implications for health behavior. Sexual desire shame may better reflect an emotion that is activated prior to risky behavior (e.g., when men reflect upon or feel desire for another man). Sexual behavior shame, on the other hand, better reflects what has already happened, thus, those higher in knowledge, efficacy, and therefore, safer sex are least likely to experience shame behavior.
Highlights
IntroductionMen who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest HIV incidence (i.e., number of new infections) of any subpopulation in the United States [1] and they are experiencing the sharpest incidence increase
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest HIV incidence of any subpopulation in the United States [1] and they are experiencing the sharpest incidence increase
Sexual desire shame was negatively correlated with knowledge and self-efficacy and positively correlated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), the pattern reversed for sexual behavior shame
Summary
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest HIV incidence (i.e., number of new infections) of any subpopulation in the United States [1] and they are experiencing the sharpest incidence increase. Theory-based HIV prevention interventions have proven successful at increasing HIV protective behaviors (e.g., increased condom use, reduction in the number of sex partners) among the general population [3]. HIV-risk-reduction interventions targeted to MSM populations have demonstrated effectiveness by increasing participants’ knowledge of safer sex and perceptions of self-efficacy [5, 6]. Unchangeable shame (e.g., desire for other men) might undermine (moderate) the link between knowledge and self-efficacy or between self-efficacy and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI): this may be less likely for changeable shame (e.g., shame about risky sexual behavior)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
