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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 6/2011

01-08-2011 | Original Paper

Depression is Associated with Sexual Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men, but is Mediated by Cognitive Escape and Self-Efficacy

Authors: Lisa M. Alvy, David J. McKirnan, Gordon Mansergh, Beryl Koblin, Grant N. Colfax, Stephen A. Flores, Sharon Hudson, Project MIX Study Group

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 6/2011

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Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) show high rates of HIV infection, and higher rates of depression than non-MSM. We examined the association between depression and sexual risk among “high risk” MSM. Evidence has been mixed regarding the link between depression and risky sex, although researchers have rarely considered the role of psychosocial vulnerabilities such as self-efficacy for sexual safety or “escape” coping styles. In a national sample (N = 1,540) of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM who reported unprotected sex and drug use with sex partners, we found evidence that depression is related to HIV transmission risk. Self-efficacy for sexual safety and cognitive escape mediated the link between depression and risk behavior, suggesting that psychosocial vulnerability plays an important role in the association of depression with sexual risk. These findings may help us construct more accurate theories regarding depression and sexual behavior, and may inform the design of sexual safety interventions.
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Metadata
Title
Depression is Associated with Sexual Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men, but is Mediated by Cognitive Escape and Self-Efficacy
Authors
Lisa M. Alvy
David J. McKirnan
Gordon Mansergh
Beryl Koblin
Grant N. Colfax
Stephen A. Flores
Sharon Hudson
Project MIX Study Group
Publication date
01-08-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-010-9678-z

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