Unwanted sexual experiences and sexual risks in gay and bisexual men: Associations among revictimization, substance use, and psychiatric symptoms

Abstract

Unwanted sexual experiences are associated with high‐risk sexual practices for HIV infection. The current study examined histories of unwanted sexual contact in childhood and adulthood in relation to HIV risk behavior in men who have sex with men. Men attending a large gay pride event in Atlanta, Georgia (N = 595) completed anonymous surveys measuring sexual history, substance use, sexual risk behavior, and symptoms of dissociation, trauma‐related anxiety, and borderline personality. Results showed that men who had been sexually coerced into unwanted sexual activity as adults were more likely to report being treated for substance abuse as well as use of crack cocaine and nitrite inhalants in the past 6 months. Sexually coerced men were also more likely to report high‐risk sexual behaviors and symptoms of dissociation, trauma‐related anxiety, and borderline personality. History of sexual victimization in childhood and revictimization in adulthood was not, however, associated with increased risk behavior over and above that seen in relation to adult unwanted sexual experiences. We conclude that sexual coercion is a significant problem among men who have sex with men, including increasing risk for HIV infection.