When the Emotions Really Started Kicking In, Which Ended Up Being a Problem: Sex, HIV, and Emotions Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men

Robert W. Moeller; Perry N. Halkitis; James A. Pollock IV.; Daniel E. Siconolfi; Staci Barton

doi:10.1080/00918369.2013.773825

When the Emotions Really Started Kicking In, Which Ended Up Being a Problem: Sex, HIV, and Emotions Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men

Robert W. Moeller, Perry N. Halkitis, James A. Pollock IV., Daniel E. Siconolfi, Staci Barton

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Interviews from 10 young gay and bisexual men aged 18 to 29 were examined to explore how young gay and bisexual men make decisions regarding sexual behaviors in the age of AIDS. Three main themes emerged: (a) disconnections between what an individual knows about HIV, their motivations to remain HIV-negative, and their sexual behaviors; (b) a struggle to connect emotionally and intimately with another man; and (c) a power dynamic whereby the individual acts as an autonomous decider in the decision-making process. Participants indicated high levels of HIV knowledge, and were engaged in a struggle to balance emotional experiences with sexual partners in a complex gendered dynamic. Findings from this analysis indicate a need to reexamine the social-cognitive theoretical frameworks that have guided gay men's HIV-prevention efforts, as these frameworks have failed to account for the psychologically complex emotional experiences and gender dynamics that are part of sexual decision making.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	773-795
Number of pages	23
Journal	Journal of Homosexuality
Volume	60
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2013.773825
State	Published - May 2013

Keywords

HIV
adolescence
emerging adulthood
emotion
gay
qualitative
sexual behavior
sexuality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Gender Studies
Social Psychology
Education
General Psychology

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10.1080/00918369.2013.773825

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title = "When the Emotions Really Started Kicking In, Which Ended Up Being a Problem: Sex, HIV, and Emotions Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men",

abstract = "Interviews from 10 young gay and bisexual men aged 18 to 29 were examined to explore how young gay and bisexual men make decisions regarding sexual behaviors in the age of AIDS. Three main themes emerged: (a) disconnections between what an individual knows about HIV, their motivations to remain HIV-negative, and their sexual behaviors; (b) a struggle to connect emotionally and intimately with another man; and (c) a power dynamic whereby the individual acts as an autonomous decider in the decision-making process. Participants indicated high levels of HIV knowledge, and were engaged in a struggle to balance emotional experiences with sexual partners in a complex gendered dynamic. Findings from this analysis indicate a need to reexamine the social-cognitive theoretical frameworks that have guided gay men's HIV-prevention efforts, as these frameworks have failed to account for the psychologically complex emotional experiences and gender dynamics that are part of sexual decision making.",

keywords = "HIV, adolescence, emerging adulthood, emotion, gay, qualitative, sexual behavior, sexuality",

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note = "Funding Information: This research was supported by Award No. 08-NYU-1 (Halkitis, PI; Moeller, Co-I) from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The content is solely our responsibility and does not necessarily represent the official views of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.",

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When the Emotions Really Started Kicking In, Which Ended Up Being a Problem: Sex, HIV, and Emotions Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men

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Keywords

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