Background Minority stress is an important risk factor for sexual problems in gay and bisexual men. It remains unclear whether and to what extent this stress is associated with the sexual quality of life in these groups. Aim To investigate the significance of minority stress as a factor explaining the sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men. Methods The analysis is based on data collected in an Internet study on the sexuality of Polish gay, bisexual, and straight men. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the importance of minority stress in explaining the sexual quality of life in a group of 1,486 non-heterosexual men in the context of other predictors, including demographics, the level of current sexual function, sexual patterns and experiences, and mental and physical health. We used the Sexual Minority Stress Scale based on Ilan Meyer’s Minority Stress Model, with its subscales relating to internalized homophobia, expectation of rejection, concealment, and sexual minority negative events. The level of sexual functioning was evaluated using 2 scales, the International Index of Erectile Functioning and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Data on the remaining predictors were obtained using a survey that we developed. Main Outcome Measures The men’s sexual quality of life as rated on the Sexual Quality of Life Scale for Men was a dependent variable. Results Internalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and sexual minority negative events (β = −0.09; P < .001) were statistically significant predictors of sexual quality of life in non-heterosexual men. Internalized homophobia (β = −0.28; P < .001) and erectile function (β = 0.29, P < .001) turned out to be the strongest predictors. Sexual orientation (gay vs bisexual) and its interactions with individual processes of minority stress were statistically nonsignificant. Clinical Implications To evaluate and improve the sexual quality of life of non-heterosexual men, it is necessary to consider not only their sexual function, but also the minority stress they experience, particularly internalized homophobia. Strengths & Limitations The major strengths of the study include a large sample size, a comprehensive assessment of minority stress, and the previously understudied Central European cultural context. The major limitations are the nonrepresentative sampling, retrospective data collection, and cross-sectional design. Conclusion Internalized homophobia predicts poorer sexual quality of life in gay and bisexual men in Poland.
SummaryMinority stress is a relatively new concept that has emerged from the concept of stress. Its popularity among researchers who are interested in minority groups is increasing. Minority stress refers to the experiences of stigma, rejection and violence by the majority of society as experienced by the minority.The concept can be operationalised in a number of ways, for instance via a questionnaire such as the Sexual Minority Stress Scale (SMSS) presented in this paper. It concerns a clearly defined concept of minority stress and uses some stress indicators. It was translated and adapted into Polish. This paper presents the results of statistical analysis based on answers of 206 individuals describing themselves as homosexual and 62 describing themselves as bisexual.High psychometric results of the questionnaire indicate that SMSS can be used in research on minority stress in bisexual and homosexual individuals. However, further research is required to verify its usefulness in the clinical setting as a screening tool to diagnose those who may be at risk from high levels of minority stress. minority stress, bisexuality, homosexuality, Sexual Minority Stress Scale (SMSS) questionnaire BACKGROUND
The authors of the present article describe the historical context of family therapy in Poland and current issues in the field. They highlight the fact that Polish therapists first began to develop the field after coming into contact with family therapy leaders from the United States and Western Europe. With the political breakthrough of 1989, there were new opportunities for multilateral cooperation, attendance at international conferences, and the exchange of experiences. Currently, the work of Polish family therapists, the place of family therapy among other forms of psychotherapy, and the related problems and challenges do not differ from other European nations.
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