Sexual risk behavior among individuals seeking outpatient mental health services: Associations with childhood emotional neglect and identity dysfunction

Abstract

This study was developed to examine sexual risk behavior among patients seeking community-based mental health services, including associations with psychological distress, identity dysfunction, and childhood emotional neglect. A mediation model was examined regarding identity dysfunction mediating the link between emotional neglect and sexual risk behavior. A total of 245 outpatients completed questionnaires regarding perceived risky sexual behavior, psychological distress, identity dysfunction, and emotional neglect. Sexual risk behavior was found to be a prevalent issue among individuals seeking outpatient mental health services, with 13% reporting engagement in unsafe sexual practices at least some of the time. Mediation analysis revealed that childhood emotional neglect was indirectly linked with sexual risk behavior through the mediating effect of identity dysfunction. Thus, findings suggest a pathway to sexual risk behaviors through perceived childhood emotional neglect and identity dysfunction. Clinical attention to identity-related vulnerability among this population may be warranted in aiming to mitigate risk-taking associated with sexual practices.