No abstract

Within a social hierarchy based on sexual orientation, heteronormative ideology serves as a social force that maintains dominant group members' status (e.g., heterosexual men). Disgust may be an emotional reaction to gay men's violation of heteronormativity (i.e., same-sex sexual behavior) and motivate hostile attitudes toward gay men to promote interpersonal and intergroup boundaries. Based on this theoretical framework, we hypothesized that sexual disgust-compared to pathogen or moral disgust-would be most strongly associated with antigay hostility and would statistically mediate its relationship with heteronormativity. Heterosexual men in the United States (n = 409) completed an online questionnaire assessing heteronormative ideology, disgust sensitivity, and hostile attitudes toward gay men. Results support the hypotheses and suggest that gay men's sexual behavior is the most likely elicitor of disgust and antigay hostility, as opposed to a perceived pathogen threat or moral transgression. The findings indicate that heteronormative attitudes and sexual disgust are likely contributors to antigay hostility. Thus, intervention efforts should seek to improve tolerance of same-sex sexual behavior among heterosexual men, which may mitigate emotional reactions and hostile attitudes toward gay men.

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental health disorder worldwide, including among U.S. service members. In addition to evidence-based treatments, activity-based approaches have been shown to effectively treat depressive symptoms, particularly when they occur in the natural environment. Methods This study compared two activity-based interventions, Surf Therapy and Hike Therapy, on depression outcomes among 96 active duty service members with MDD. Participants were randomized to 6 weeks of Surf or Hike Therapy. Clinician-administered and self-report measures were completed at preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up. A brief depression/anxiety measure was completed before and after each activity session. Results Multilevel modeling results showed that continuous depression outcomes changed significantly over time (ps < .001). Although service members in Hike Therapy reported higher average depression scores than those in Surf Therapy, the trajectory of symptom improvement did not significantly differ between groups. Regarding MDD diagnostic status, there were no significant differences between the groups at postprogram (p = .401), but Surf Therapy participants were more likely to remit from MDD than were those in Hike Therapy at the 3-month follow-up (p = .015). Limitations The sample consisted of service members, so results may not generalize to other populations. Most participants received concurrent psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and, although statistically accounted for, results should be interpreted in this context. Conclusions Both Surf and Hike Therapies appear to be effective adjunctive interventions for service members with MDD. Research is needed to examine the effectiveness of these therapies as standalone interventions. Trial registration Clinical trials registration number NCT03302611; First registered on 05/10/2017.

Objective: Previous research suggests gay men are at increased risk to be targets of aggression. Much of antigay aggression is likely perpetrated by heterosexual men who strongly adhere to masculine gender norms and, thus, have amplified prejudicial attitudes toward gay men. The current study expands upon established models of antigay aggression by including the emotional components of disgust and emotion regulation difficulties. Method: Exclusively heterosexual men living in the United States completed an online questionnaire consisting of measurements assessing masculine gender norms, disgust, sexual prejudice, impulse control difficulties, and aggression. Results: Findings support the theoretical notion that disgust may be influential in the development of sexual prejudice and aggression, particularly among men who strongly adhere to the masculine gender norms of antifemininity and status. In addition, an inability to control impulses subsequent to experiencing disgust may produce aggressive behavior toward perceived gay men. Conclusions: Results provide empirical support for theories of antigay aggression while also expanding the scope of emotion literature. Implications call for future research and interventions attentive to healthy masculinity and improved emotion regulation skills in men. Such efforts may be crucial to reduce aggressive victimization among gay men.