Metacognitions mediate HIV stigma and depression/anxiety in men who have sex with men living with HIV

Abstract

The study examined whether the relationships between HIV stigma and depression and anxiety would be mediated by metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in men who have sex with men living with HIV. Men who have sex with men living with HIV completed an online survey that measured 30-item Metacognitions Questionnaire, thought control strategies (Thought Control Questionnaire), as well as symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder-7). The relationships between internalised and anticipated HIV stigma with depressive symptoms were mediated by Negative Metacognitive Beliefs and the use of Worry and Social thought control strategies. Negative Metacognitive Beliefs mediated the association between internalised HIV stigma and anxiety symptoms.

A Systematic Review of Metacognitive Beliefs in Chronic Medical Conditions

“…Subjects with HIV show stronger negative metacognitive beliefs, which are significantly associated with their anxiety and depression symptoms, and to the increased psychological distress resulting from the disease-related stigma (Strodl et al, 2015).…”

Comparison of Government and Non-Government Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Treatment Service Delivery for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community

“…Some of these include 35 social stigmatization, rejection from families, minority stress and homophobic abuse (Barrett et al,1995;Bontempto & D' Augelli, 2002;Kelly et al, 2015;Strodl et al, 2015;Thorpy et al, 2008), which has also been associated with an increased risk of psychological and substance 40 use disorders (Chakraborty et al, 2011;Lyons & Hosking, 2014;Wright et al, 2000). This is exacerbated by barriers to accessing mental health and substance treatment services (Cochran & Cauce, 2006;Kaufman et al, 1997;Staunton, 2007).…”

Stimulant expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men: A measure of substance‐related beliefs

“…Focusing on reducing use and modifying expectancies could be a useful target regarding HIV prevention. Furthermore, difficulties regarding sexual communication and negotiation may have developed secondary to low self‐worth or poor assertiveness skills and related psychological issues and may be important targets for intervention . Thus, the interactions between mental health, expectancies, drug use, desired sexual enhancement and sexual harm reduction are likely to be an important focus.…”