Internalized Homophobia and Psychosexual Adjustment among Gay Men

Abstract

The present study examined links between internalized homophobia and psychosexual tendencies among 261 homosexual men. Analysis indicated that men who accept their homosexuality less rate themselves higher on sexual anxiety, sexual depression, fear of sexuality, and concern about sexual image and lower on internal sexual control, sexual esteem, and sexual satisfaction. Although no significant differences were found between HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative subjects, the associations between internalized homophobia and certain psychosexual tendencies seemed more pronounced in the seropositive respondents. We believe it would be beneficial for homosexual men who are very homophobic to seek psychoeducative or therapeutic consultation to develop more positive attitudes toward their homosexuality and thereby better the quality of their lives.