Factors that contribute to men's genital self-image are not well known, despite the documented psychological importance of body image more broadly. The current study used a simultaneous multiple regression to examine the relationship(s) between genital self-image, body image, pornography use, circumcision status, age, and social appearance anxiety among men from different geographic locations, and of differing sexual orientations (N=674). Participants were recruited from Canada (n=285), the United States (n=214), and Western Europe (n=121) through online recruitment methods. A total of 372 gay men/other men who have sex with men (MSM) and 302 heterosexual men were included in the present analyses. Men's genital self-image was significantly predicted by self-perceived body image and social appearance anxiety. Further univariate and multivariate analyses discussed include age, sexual orientation, country of origin, solo porn use, and circumcision status. Implications of the continued importance of parsing the differences between genital self-image and related variables for understanding sexual functioning and overall self-esteem are discussed.
This study sought to shed light on the complexity of male cross-orientation friendships by using Sexual Script Theory to critically evaluate how existing masculine sexual scripts may be influencing men’s willingness to enter such friendships. While it is known that men enter friendships with other men across sexual orientation, little to no research exists around their beliefs and attitudes toward these relationships. This qualitative study stems from a larger, mixed-methods study on heterosexual and gay men’s lifestyle habits. It sought to draw these contemporary attitudes from Canadian and American men and investigate how these relationships are viewed to assess men’s willingness to enter them. The sample (N = 982) was drawn from the qualitative section of a questionnaire examining men’s lifestyle habits and their relation to social and sexual attitudes. Participants responded to an open-ended (i.e., essay box) item asking: “Do you think it’s valuable to communities for gay men and straight men to be friends? If so, why? If no, why not?.” Braun and Clarke’s (2006) inductive thematic analysis approach was used to develop a final thematic structure of two main themes and six subthemes with saturation of the responses. The first major theme was that cross-orientation friendship can be a vehicle for growth and social cohesion and the related subthemes were: these friendships can (a) allow for exploration of masculinity, (b) reduce stigma and homophobia, (c) show the value of diversity, and (d) offer exposure to the LGBTQ+ community. The second major theme was that all forms of friendship are valuable and the related subthemes were: (a) friendship is about personal and common interests and (b) sexual orientation should have nothing to do with friendship. The results revealed a general openness and willingness to enter these friendships, with an overall acknowledgment that these relationships are not yet normalized.
Nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) may contribute to mental health concerns among incarcerated individuals, yet NSEs are understudied in this population. This study takes a novel approach in examining the prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated males by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative measures. The sample consisted of 189 men from three provincial maximum-security prisons in Ontario, Canada. Based on quantitative findings, 44.2% of the sample experienced NSEs before the age of 18, and 41.7% of the sample endorsed an experience that fit the legal definition of a NSEs as adults. Participants also responded to a qualitative open-ended question about their history of NSEs. Based on qualitative findings, a total of 23% of the men reported at least one incident of a NSE (e.g., child and adult). Based Findings highlight the high prevalence of NSEs among incarcerated men with quantitative responses demonstrating how the use of a behavioral questionnaire may, to some extent, correct for underreporting of NSEs. Qualitative responses illustrate the lived experience of incarcerated men and provide a deeper understanding of their NSEs. Responses also speak to the lack of resources and support available to these men. Findings underscore the need for proactive approaches in meeting mental health needs of incarcerated men in general and with regard to NSEs in particular. Results may inform the development of future correctional procedures (i.e., intake protocols that account for men with NSEs) and resources to support incarcerated men in navigating the psychological impact of non-consensual sexual experiences.
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