Menu Expand
Enhancing Sexual Health, Self-Identity and Wellbeing among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Enhancing Sexual Health, Self-Identity and Wellbeing among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Rusi Jaspal | Dr Laura Waters | Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell

(2018)

Abstract

By analysing research into links between low psychological wellbeing and sexual risk-taking behaviours that occur in men who have sex with men (MSM), this book demonstrates what impact social and psychological interventions could have on MSM at risk of poor sexual outcomes.

At the heart of the book is Identity Process Theory, co-developed by the author, a social psychological theory of identity construction, threat and coping. The book considers the emerging debates in MSM's health, such as the use of Grindr and 'chemsex', and also explores the socio-structural factors, such as homophobia and stigma, that threaten the self-identity of MSM. The book offers principles and techniques from this theory that can be used as an effective intervention and therapeutic model with MSM to build more positive identities and reduce sexual risk-taking.


This is an important resource for all of us who work in supporting and empowering men who have sex with men. Professor Jaspal invites us - as we wrestle with identity, sexual risk and wellbeing - to consider our approach to working with this group. This is a must read resource for all of us working within this space.
Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust
In an era where the life-expectancy for people living with HIV is similar to the general population, combatting internal and external stigma is ever more important as one of the remaining challenges ahead of us. Enhancing well-being and sexual health amongst men who have sex with men and indeed all people living with HIV is at the heart of this and the British HIV Association strongly supports this work.
Professor Chloe Orkin, Chair of the British HIV Association
Rusi Jaspal is Professor of Psychology and Sexual Health, Deputy Head of Research for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and Deputy Director of the Mary Seacole Research Centre at De Montfort University Leicester, UK.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Enhancing Sexual Health, Self-Identity and Wellbeing among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Guide for Practitioners by Rusi Jaspal 3
Foreword by Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell 7
Foreword by Dr Laura Waters 11
Acknowledgements 15
Part I 17
Part I: Introduction 17
1. Social Psychology for Practitioners in Sexual Health and Wellbeing 19
Part II: Theory and Research 33
2. Self-Identity, Psychological Wellbeing and Sexual Health among MSM 35
3. Social Psychological Approaches to Promoting Health and Wellbeing 61
4. Identity Process Theory: Social Representation, Identity and Action 85
Part III: Practice 115
5. Promoting Psychological Wellbeing among MSM 117
6. Developing Effective Sexual Health Interventions for MSM 139
7. Integrating Tenets of Identity Theory into HIV Medicine 161
Part IV: Conclusion 183
Integrating Theory into Practice 185
References 197
Index 209
Blank Page