The Integrated Attachment and Sexual Minority Stress Model: Understanding the Role of Adult Attachment in the Health and Well-Being of Sexual Minority Men

Abstract

Gay and bisexual boys and men experience social stigma associated with their sexual minority status that can negatively influence health. In addition, experiencing sexual orientation stigma may be linked to a decreased capacity to effectively form and maintain secure attachment relationships with parents, peers and romantic partners across the life-course. We proposed that utilizing a framework that integrates the process by which sexual minority men develop attachment relationships in the context of sexual minority stress can lead to a better understanding of health and well-being among sexual minority men. In addition, we highlight where future research can expand upon the presented model in order to better understand the developmental processes through which attachment and sexual minority stress influences health and health behaviors among sexual minority young adult men.

Gay and Bisexual Adolescent Boys’ Perspectives on Parent–Adolescent Relationships and Parenting Practices Related to Teen Sex and Dating

“…The development of parent-child connectedness requires trust, effective communication, support, and structure (Lezin, Rolleri, Bean, & Taylor, 2004), all of which influence adolescent sexual behavior (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2006; Kincaid et al, 2012; Pequegnat & Bell, 2012). For gay/bisexual youth, parental relationships can have profound impacts on sexual identity development, the abilities to form and maintain secure relationships, and health outcomes (Cook & Calebs, 2016; Rosario, 2015). Specifically, receiving support from a reliable attachment figure can increase effective coping, promote security in relationships, and buffer against adverse health outcomes (Cook & Calebs, 2016).…”

“…For gay/bisexual youth, parental relationships can have profound impacts on sexual identity development, the abilities to form and maintain secure relationships, and health outcomes (Cook & Calebs, 2016; Rosario, 2015). Specifically, receiving support from a reliable attachment figure can increase effective coping, promote security in relationships, and buffer against adverse health outcomes (Cook & Calebs, 2016). Given the importance of parent-child relationships and the unique challenges experienced by gay/bisexual youth, it is critical to understand if and how parents influence their sexual behavior.…”

Breakup-related appraisals and the psychological well-being of young adult gay and bisexual men

“…Yet, compared to the volume of research that has focused on heterosexual youth’s relationships, less is known about the relationship experiences, attitudes, and outcomes for sexual minority youth (i.e., youth who do not identify as heterosexual in terms of identity, desires, or behaviors) (Collins, Welsh, & Furman, 2009). Prior research among sexual minority couples has utilized several relationship theories, including attachment theory (Cook and Calebs, 2016), interdependence theory (Darbes, Chakravarty, Neilands, Beougher & Hoff, 2014), and the investment model (Kurdek & Schmitt, 1986), to examine the context and predictors of relationship quality and dissolution, but no single theory has emerged as dominant. Nor has there been much attention to the impact of relationship dissolution on mental health outcomes.…”

Biopsychosocial Approaches to Men's Health Disparities Research and Policy

“…29 Cook and Calebs’ paper explores how the social stressors and stigma associated with sexual minority status can have deleterious effects on attachment, social connectivity and social support across the lifecourse. 30 Bauermeister and colleagues exploration of the sexual behaviors of young men who have sex with men again suggests that the intersection of multiple dimensions of vulnerability – living in lower socioeconomic disadvantaged neighborhoods, having fewer economic resources and having less stable housing – are linked to the need of these men commodifying their bodies for shelter, food or to fulfill other basic needs. 31 In sum, this special issue highlights how gender identities, roles and relations are not only diverse but mediate men’s health behaviors and practices 32–34 , illustrating why it is important to examine how sex, gender and sexual orientation may intersect with other aspects of men’s identities and experiences to accurately identify the determinants of the health of men around the world 11 .…”