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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Erschienen in:

04.07.2021

Sexual Decision Making Among Men Who Identify as Bears: a Grounded Theory Study

verfasst von: Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez, Joseph P. De Santis

Erschienen in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Ausgabe 3/2022

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Abstract

Background

Gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBM) carry a disproportionate HIV infection burden, approximating 66% of all new HIV infections in 2017. GBM’s social networks may influence health and health risk perceptions, including HIV risk. One such social network is the bear subculture, which accounts for approximately 14–22% of the gay community. Previous research on GBM who identify as bears indicated that these men are more likely to engage in sexual practices such as condomless anal sex (CAS). The purpose of this study was to describe the sexual decision-making process among GBM who identify as bears.

Methods

Utilizing a grounded theory approach, 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with men who identify as bears, ranging in age from 22 to 77 years. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling.

Results

A theory grounded in the data entitled The Theory of Making Sexual Decisions Among Men Who Identify as Bears emerged that described how these men may make sexual decisions. The theory is constructed of one core category, “Making Sexual Decisions,” and four categories with subcategories: “Interacting with the Bear Subculture,” “Searching for Sexual Partners,” “Engaging in Sexual Activities,” and “Reflecting on Consequences.”

Conclusions

Clinicians caring for this population should be aware of the complex nature of sexual decisions, potentially allowing for HIV risk reduction strategies for GBM who identify as bears.

Policy Implications

As HIV infection continues to disproportionately impact GBM, health policy campaigns may develop initiatives that include men who identify as bears.

Vorheriger Artikel Examining the Additive Effect of HIV-Related Stress and General Life Stress on Depression and Anxiety-Related Functional Impairment Among HIV-Positive Sexual Minority Men

Nächster Artikel Religious Conversion Practices and LGBTQA + Youth

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Titel: Sexual Decision Making Among Men Who Identify as Bears: a Grounded Theory Study
verfasst von: Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez
Joseph P. De Santis
Publikationsdatum: 04.07.2021
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Ausgabe 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Elektronische ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00614-6

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Policy Implications

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