Henrique Pereira

University students' attitudes toward same-sex parenting and gay and lesbian rights in Portugal

The purpose of this study was to explore university students’ attitudes toward same-sex parenting and toward gay and lesbian rights. A total of 292 participants, aged between 18 and 27 (M = 21) responded to a questionnaire measuring attitudes toward parenting by gay men and lesbians, gay and lesbian rights, and beliefs about the etiology of homosexuality. Results revealed that the majority of students were against gay and lesbian parenting, gay and lesbian equal rights, and believed that homosexuality has a social/environmental basis. It was found that sexual prejudice is highly prevalent in Portuguese university students, and implications of these findings are discussed.

Internalized Homonegativity, Disclosure, and Acceptance of Sexual Orientation in a Sample of Portuguese Gay and Bisexual Men, and Lesbian and Bisexual Women

The purpose of this study was to assess internalized homonegativity and its correlates in a sample of Portuguese self-identified gay and bisexual men, and lesbian and bisexual women. Five hundred eighty participants, aged between 18 and 76 (M = 31, SD = 10), responded to an online questionnaire that included a demographic questionnaire and the Internalized Homophobia Scale. Results revealed that though lesbians revealed the lowest levels of internalized homonegativity and were the most likely to disclose to parents and friends, bisexual men scored the highest on levels of internalized homonegativity and were the most likely to hide their sexual orientation.

Reminiscence, Psychological Well-Being, and Ego Integrity in Portuguese Elderly People

This paper analyzes the impact of a reminiscence program on the psychological well-being and ego integrity of elderly people with depressive symptomatology. Ninety people aged 65 and over participated in a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest evaluations. They were assigned to one of three groups: (a) experimental group (reminiscence sessions); (b) control group or (c) control-placebo group (weekly relaxation sessions). The results indicate that only the experimental group had significant increases in its overall psychological well-being and ego integrity. This suggests that the promotion of instrumental and integrative reminiscences is an important therapeutic tool for psychological well-being in elderly people with depressive symptomatology.

Atitudes da população portuguesa em relação à homoparentalidade

The aim of this study was to explore Portuguese population attitude toward parenting by gay men and lesbians. Nine hundred ninety three participants, aged between 18 and 69 (M=34; SD=11), filled in a questionnaire that included a vignette depicting a heterosexual couple, a lesbian couple or a gay couple wishing to adopt. Participants were asked to rate the couple as prospective parents, and if they anticipated emotional or social problems for the children. Although most participants held a positive attitude toward gay and lesbian parents, the results revealed a more favorable attitude toward heterosexual couples. Participants anticipated more emotional and social problems in children adopted by a lesbian couple, and even more so by a gay couple.

Modeling the impact of social discrimination on the physical and mental health of Portuguese gay, lesbian and bisexual people

Background: Despite growing acceptance of same-sex sexuality in Portugal, identity development of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals is still restricted by negative societal attitudes, which maintain the experience of stigmatization and discrimination. The purpose of this study is to document the frequency of discriminatory events experienced by sexual minorities and their association with indicators of physical and mental health in Portugal. Methods: A total of 610 LGB participants completed an online survey (mean age = 34.48, SD = 11.54). Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (73.8%). The survey included five categories of survey items: demographic information, social support, physical health, mental health, and discrimination experiences. Results: Physical and mental health results revealed that bisexual people were more likely to report higher levels of psychological distress than gay men. Overall, between one-fifth and one-fourth of the participants in this sample frequently felt the need to hide their sexual orientation to prevent discrimination experiences across the different settings. Regarding actual discrimination experiences, close to 20% reported having suffered from verbal abuse, followed by close to 10% who suffered from written threats, harassment, and physical threats. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of anticipated and actual discrimination on mental health. Possible confounding variables were added in the first block – age, sexual orientation, being in a relationship, body mass index, and HIV status. Anticipated and actual discrimination experiences were added in the second block. The first block of the analysis explained 6% of the overall variance, while the second block – discrimination experiences – explained an additional 17%. Conclusion: Portuguese culture and stigma/discrimination create discriminatory experiences which impact LGB peoples health. Unless policies are changed to allow for the acceptance of LGB people, they will continue to experience violence and discrimination as a result of homophobia.

Condom use and HIV-related behaviors in Portuguese men who have sex with men: a study of sexual behavior and sexual pleasure.

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess the types of sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM), with and without a condom, and to assess the predictive relationship between sexual pleasure and risky sexual practices among MSM. Methods: A total 304 MSM (Mean age 32.30, SD=11.28) recruited through informal social networks and the Internet participated in this study. Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (70%). Sexual pleasure was operationalized using one measure with 8 items (reliability analysis was good α=0.76). Participants were asked to recall their sexual experiences and their sexual behaviors over the last two months. Results: Only 7.2% of participants reported being HIV positive and approximately 26% reported not knowing their status. All participants indicated that they would feel higher levels of sexual pleasure if they were not using a condom during their sexual interaction, and all differences were statistically significant. Differences were also found between the following scenarios: a) having sex with or without a condom for receptive anal sex (p=0.036), b) having sex with or without a condom for insertive anal sex (p=0.012), and c) having sex with or without a condom for oral sex (p<0.001). Linear regression indicated that pleasure is a predictor of how many times a man was penetrated without a condom (β=0.255; R2=0.084; p<0.05) and a predictor of how many times a man penetrated another man without a condom (β=0.291; R2=0.066; p<0.05). Conclusion: Sexual pleasure needs to be prioritized in the development of condoms and other sexual safety measures as well as in the promotion of their use when working with HIV prevention among MSM.

Measuring Happiness in Portuguese Adults: Validation of the CHQ - Covilha Happiness Questionnaire

This paper focuses on the study of happiness from two perspectives that have accompanied the historical evolution of its scientific study: its conceptual definition as a construct and its measurement. We aimed to integrate and analyze the development and validation of a new measure, adapted to the reality and socio-cultural specificities of Portugal, which struggles with particular socio-economic contingencies that have emerged contemporaneously. We also aimed to develop methodologies to obtain valid and updated data on psychosocial indicators of happiness and subjective well-being among the Portuguese population. This article thus explores the problem of measuring happiness within the complex conceptual context of (in) definition and operating (un)measurability. The article assumes the instrumental and descriptive objectives and attempts to contribute to the development and validation of a new instrument for assessing happiness. These objectives are founded on a multifactorial theoretical conception that incorporates personal, social and environmental dimensions, and which allows for the provision of specific indicators of happiness and an overall aggregated indicator. Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 645 Portuguese people. The Covilha’s Happiness Questionnaire (CHQ) uses 41 items to measure a person’s happiness. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting 5-dimensional factor structure (KMO = 0.914), with strong factor loadings and excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’sα = 0.921). The CHQ assessed the following dimensions: positive emotions, socially gratifying interactions, self-caring, participation in meaningful activities, and socio-economic structure engagement. Conclusion: The CHQ has good face validity and sound psychometric properties. It is a culturally adapted measure, thus user-friendly for researchers and others utilizing the scale.

Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem: Cross-Cultural Study in Portugal and Brazil

Internet addiction or problematic internet use has long been a matter of public concern. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship of internet addiction and self-esteem. The sample included 1399 Portuguese and Brazilian internet users, from 14 to 83 years old, who responded to the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Young, 1998b) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (Rosenberg, 1989). A factor analysis of the IAT was conducted, revealing three factors: withdrawal & concealment, social & personal consequences, and excessive use. Using Pearson correlation, we found a negative correlation among internet addiction and self-esteem. Linear regression indicated that low self-esteem explained 11% of internet addiction, and negative feelings caused by internet addiction (withdrawal & concealment) explained 13% of self-esteem. In the analysis of the IAT, we found that the individuals with higher levels of internet addiction were: (a) man; (b) Brazilian; and (c) young (14 to 25 years old).

Sexual Behavior and HIV Testing Practices among Men who have Sex withMen in Portugal

The objective of the study was to explore sexual behavior and HIV-testing practices among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Portugal, in light of current international health guidelines that recommend frequent HIV testing for MSM who engage in high-risk behavior. Participants were 304 mostly young, gay or bisexual self-identified MSM. They provided information regarding their HIV status (67% negative, 7% positive, 26% didn’t know), 24% had never been tested for HIV, and 15.5% had been tested only once; main reasons for never having tested previously were: always using condoms, and not feeling at risk. Thus, HIV testing was infrequent and insufficient for early detection of infection, entry into treatment, and protection of sexual partners, since many unprotected sexual practices still occur. Those who tested more were older, self-identified as gay, living in major urban areas and employed. Linear regression predicted that the number of times MSM had penetrative sex without a condom was associated with the number of times they got tested, indicating that they might be using the test itself as a means to gain control of their unprotected sexual practices. Testing campaigns should aim to help MSM become more aware of their risk behavior, decrease fear of testing by explaining available treatment resources and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV, and by publicizing information about free and confidential testing locations.

HIV Prevalence and HIV-Related Sexual Practices among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Portuguese Bathhouses

Background: To determine the perceived prevalence (the response of known HIV diagnosis) and trends of HIV infection among mem who have sex with men (MSM) frequenting gay bathhouses; and (2) to identify the risk factors associated sexual practices. Methods: A total of 424 MSM (Mean age 35.64, SD=10.05) recruited through informal social networks and the Internet participated in this study. Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (66.7%). Participants were asked to recall their sexual experiences while visiting a bathhouse for sexual purposes. Results: 9.4% (n=40) of participants reported being HIV positive and approximately 14.5% (n=62) reported not knowing their status. MSM visited the bathhouses 1.76 times per month (SD=2.12) and involved themselves with 3 men (on average) per each visit. Statistically significant differences between having sex with or without a condom were found (p<0.001) reflect that risky behavior occurs (95% CI). Risk practices involving fluid exchange (condomless practices) were also reported. Ejaculation in the mouth was reported by 29.3% to 48.9% of all participants, and ejaculation in the anus was reported by 15.8% to 17.4% of all participants. Linear regression indicated that sex role, substance use, sexual orientation and number of monthly visits were predictors of sexual practices involving fluid exchange. Conclusion: Results from this study show that HIV prevalence and HIV-related practices is high among MSM who use bathhouses to engage in sexual activity, and this can serve as a reference for researchers interested in these behavioral patterns and for local authorities aiming to promote health education among MSM.