Brian J. Dew

The Relationship Among Sexual Compulsivity, Internalized Homophobia, and HIV At-Risk Sexual Behavior in Gay and Bisexual Male Users of Internet Chat Rooms

Methods in which gay and bisexual males are developing sexual networks have changed due to the anonymity and accessibility of the Internet. In this article, the relationship among sexual compulsivity, internalized homophobia, and HIV at-risk sexual behavior in non-heterosexual male users of Internet chat rooms is examined. The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory was used to trichotomize the sample (n = 513) for comparative purposes. Results from the data analysis indicated that higher levels of internalized homophobia were associated with greater frequency of sexual compulsivity. Increased incidents of sexual compulsivity also were found in bisexual respondents. High-risk sexual behavior was prevalent among participants from both Moderate Sexual Compulsive and Sexual Compulsive groups.

Bullying in Schools Towards Sexual Minority Youth

ABSTRACT Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and inter-sex (GLBTQI) youth, and those perceived to be GLBTQI, face extensive verbal and physical bullying in schools. Although increasing attention has been made at examining the safety concerns of sexual minority (GLBTQI) youth, there remain important gaps in the literature as well as significant sampling limitations. This article seeks to identify and respond to research gaps by: (a) reviewing existing literature about the causes and risk factors associated with homophobic bullying; (b) reviewing existing literature about the consequences associated with the victims of sexual minority bullying; (c) identifying the limitations to research procedures and methodologies that have been used to investigate this topic; and (d) proposing a research agenda for future investigations of homophobic bullying in schools.

Social and environmental factors and their influence on drug use vulnerability and resiliency in rural populations.

Findings from recent epidemiological investigations indicate that substance use in rural America has increased to the point where it nearly equals, if not exceeds, the rates found in suburban and urban areas. Although previous research has examined factors that have influenced use patterns, little attention has been devoted to the social and community contextual influences on these drug use trends. Based on a review of the literature, this articles purpose is to discuss distinctive features of rural communities, describe the impact of social and community influences on drug use, and explore implications for future research and interventions. Although rural areas have undergone tremendous economic and social change in the past 20 years, there remain unique social and community factors that serve to mediate alcohol and illicit drug use. In order to reduce drug use in rural areas, prevention and intervention efforts must consider social and environmental influences. Utilization of a multilevel social epidemiological approach could be particularly effective in developing a theoretical framework that best addresses these rising drug trends.

Online Experiences of Sexually Compulsive Men Who Have Sex with Men

Online interviews were collected from 13 gay and bisexual men who access the Internet for sexual purposes. Participants were recruited from man-for-man Internet chat rooms and screened for sexual compulsivity using the Sexual Addiction Screening Test for Gay Men (G-SAST). Interviews were analyzed using qualitative methodology, specifically grounded theory. Among participants, compulsivity, denial, mood altering effects of online sexual behavior, online dissociation, and need for social connectedness emerged as common themes. The online sexual activities engaged in by men who have sex with men are discussed. Implications for future research and limitations of the study are provided.

Examining the Relationship between Internalized Heterosexism and Substance Abuse among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals: A Critical Review

Historically, researchers have theorized a positive relationship between internalized heterosexism and higher substance abuse rates among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. This theory posits that internalized heterosexism induces anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other intrapsychic problems that lead to using alcohol and drugs to ameliorate these effects. Over the past 20 years, few studies have provided clear support for this theory, which raises the question whether internalized heterosexism indeed has a positive relationship with these increased rates. This article critiques these studies and explores important factors that may help to refine theoretical assumptions. Subsequently, implications for research and practice are offered in light of this analysis.

From the Altar to the Internet: Married Men and their Online Sexual Behavior

The Internet has drastically changed the ways in which individuals interact sexually. Although research on online sexual behaviors has increased, there remains a lack of inquiry into the behaviors of married men. In this article, results from an online investigation with 508 heterosexually-married male participants are presented. In particular, sample sociodemographics are provided, types of online sexual behaviors are discussed, the relationship between marital satisfaction and number of extramarital sexual partners is explored, and patterns of self-disclosure to wife are reviewed. Suggestions for future research are provided.

Wellness in adult gay males: Examining the impact of internalized homophobia, self-disclosure, and self-disclosure to parents

Abstract Adult gay males face significant social stigma, internalize negative societal messages related to their sexual orientation, and experience difficulties related to disclosing their sexual orientation to others, particularly to parents. Although the effects of these challenges in terms of pathology have been established, the relationship among internalized homophobia, self-disclosure, self-disclosure to parents, and wellness has not been examined. The results of a study of these variables among 217 gay males are presented and discussed.

School and Community Service Providers' Perspectives on Gay, Lesbian and Questioning Bullying

ABSTRACT Existing literature details many forms of harassment against sexual minority youth, including those behaviors that are present in schools. School and community service providers, such as counselors and psychologists, often witness first-hand the bullying that occurs in schools. Through their direct contact with sexual minority youth, they remain knowledgeable of current school environments facing these youth. Their perspectives on bullying of this population, however, are lacking. Sixteen school and community service providers participated in face-to-face, in-depth interviews regarding their perceptions and observations of general bullying and specific bullying of GLBTQI youth. The principles of grounded theory are used to analyze the data, which resulted in themes on bullying of GLQ youth. Results on these themes are presented in six main categories: Types and Locations of Bullying, Characteristics of Victims, Characteristics of Bullies, Effects of Bullying, Victim Response, and “Non-Targets.” The perspectives of the service providers give support for existing literature on the nature of bullying of sexual minority youth, and provide anecdotal information on victim approaches seen to be effective at combating or preventing sexual minority bullying.

Self-Defined Empowerment for Gay and Lesbian Parents: A Qualitative Examination

In increasing numbers, lesbians and gay men are choosing to overcome societal barriers and fulfill their desire to become parents. The majority of empirical investigations with gay parents has focused on the adjustment of their children raised in non heterosexual homes. Less attention has been focused on the needs of the gay or lesbian parent. In this study, results from qualitative research investigating the empowerment needs of lesbian and gay parents are presented. Descriptors of empowerment are divided into external and internal factors.

Understanding Risk Factors Contributing to Substance Use Among MTF Transgender Persons

Results from community-based research studies have shown that male-to-female transgender (MTF) persons have high rates of substance abuse. Multiple and unique psychological, economic, and societal factors contribute to this elevated rate of drug use. Cofactors, such as substance abuse and multiple environmental risk factors (e.g., discrimination, unemployment, homelessness), may contribute to the poor health outcomes observed in the MTF transgender community. In this article the authors review existing alcohol and other drug use (AOD) research and examine risk factors for AOD use in MTF transgender persons. Implications for counselors working with members of the MTF transgender community are explored and recommendations for future research are presented.