Importance of Self-Forgiveness and Social Support in Potentially Reducing Loneliness in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Higher levels of loneliness in men who have sex with men (MSM) are associated with negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and sexual impulsivity. By identifying what may reduce loneliness in MSM, counselors and public health professionals can alleviate the distress of their clients. A significant hierarchical multiple regression controlling for relationship status, F(9, 105) = 16.36, p < 0.001, R² = .62, indicated that higher levels of self-forgiveness (β = −.19, p = .04) and perceived social support (β = −.49, p < .001) predicted lower levels of loneliness in MSM. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Keywords:

• Gay/Bisexual men
• mental health
• reducing loneliness
• resiliency
• public health
• counseling and therapy

Notes

Notes

1 Men who have sex with men (MSM) is a more inclusive term used in public health research that includes all men who endorse having sex with men regardless of sexual/affectional orientation.

2 The term sexual orientation is intentionally used in the article to convey the concerns with disclosure specifically related to sexual behavior and not other aspects of identity disclosure that would be addressed more broadly with disclosure of affectional orientation. For more information, see Currin, Hubach, and Crethar (2015).

Additional information

Funding

The research results discussed in this publication were made possible in total or part by funding though the award from Project number [HR16-022], from Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.