The Effects of Self-Construal and the Living Environment on Internalized Homophobia Among Chinese Gay Men

Abstract

Background and ObjectiveInternalized homophobia is common among gay men. Gay men who live in high-tolerance social envi-ronments tend to have less internalized homophobia than gay men who live in low-tolerance environ-ments. The interaction between the living environment and self-construal influences gay men’s internalized homophobia.
 Material and MethodsThis study examined the association between self-construal and homophobia according to the living environment using a sample of gay men (N=521) aged 14–43 years. The data were collected between January and August 2017 using an online questionnaire that included an internalized homophobia scale, self-construal items, and demographic characteristics. The two-way ANOVA analyses revealed that the self-construal type was differentially associated with internalized homophobia depending on the living environment of the study participants.
 ResultsLiving in a high-tolerance area while having an independent self-construal was associated with lower internalized homophobia scores than living in a low-tolerance area. In contrast, alternating between independent and dependent self-construals was associated with higher internalized homophobia scores.
 ConclusionMental health services for participants with conflicted self-construals are emerging. Self-acceptance and compassion-focused practices should be explored as a way to help gay men adjust their conflicted self-construals.
 
 

Methodologies of Stigma-Related Research Amongst Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) and Transgender People in Asia and the Pacific Low/Middle Income Countries (LMICs): A Scoping Review

“…The Internalized Homophobia Scale, adapted from Meyer ( 84 ) was used in four Chinese studies ( 61 , 85 – 87 ). Other measures of stigma included the Internalized Shame Scale, also originally developed by Meyer ( 84 ) which was used in one Malaysian study [Brown et al ( 88 )], and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale ( 58 ) which was used in one study in China ( 72 ).…”

Table_1.DOCX

“…The Internalized Homophobia Scale, adapted from Meyer (84) was used in four Chinese studies (61,(85)(86)(87). Other measures of stigma included the Internalized Shame Scale, also originally developed by Meyer (84) which was used in one Malaysian study [Brown et al (88)], and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (58) which was used in one study in China (72).…”