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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 4/2013

01-05-2013 | Original Paper

It Gets Better: Resolution of Internalized Homophobia Over Time and Associations with Positive Health Outcomes Among MSM

Authors: Amy L. Herrick, Ron Stall, Joan S. Chmiel, Thomas E. Guadamuz, Typhanye Penniman, Steven Shoptaw, David Ostrow, Michael W. Plankey

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 4/2013

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Abstract

Health disparities research among gay and bisexual men has focused primarily on risk and deficits. However, a focus on resiliencies within this population may greatly benefit health promotion. We describe a pattern of resilience (internalized homophobia (IHP) resolution) over the life-course and its associations with current health outcomes. 1,541 gay and bisexual men from the Multi-Center AIDS Cohort study, an ongoing prospective study of the natural and treated histories of HIV, completed a survey about life-course events thought to be related to health. The majority of men resolved IHP over time independent of demographics. Men who resolved IHP had significantly higher odds of positive health outcomes compared to those who did not. These results provide evidence of resilience among participants that is associated with positive health outcomes. Understanding resiliencies and incorporating them into interventions may help to promote health and well-being among gay and bisexual men.
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Metadata
Title
It Gets Better: Resolution of Internalized Homophobia Over Time and Associations with Positive Health Outcomes Among MSM
Authors
Amy L. Herrick
Ron Stall
Joan S. Chmiel
Thomas E. Guadamuz
Typhanye Penniman
Steven Shoptaw
David Ostrow
Michael W. Plankey
Publication date
01-05-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0392-x

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