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HIV Stigma and Older Men’s Psychological Well-Being: Do Coping Resources Differ for Gay/Bisexual and Straight Men?

Author

Listed:
  • Kristen E PorterPhD
  • Mark Brennan-IngPhD
  • Jeffrey A BurrPhD
  • Elizabeth DuganPhD
  • Stephen E KarpiakPhD

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study investigated whether sexual orientation moderated the mediation effects of coping resources (i.e., spirituality and complementary and integrative health [CIH] use) in the relationship between HIV stigma and psychological well-being (PWB) among older men with HIV (MWH).MethodData from the Research of Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) study was used (N = 640, Age 50+). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine a coping resource mediation model. We used a multiple-group procedure to test moderation effects by sexual orientation.ResultsHIV stigma was negatively associated with spirituality and PWB. HIV stigma accounted for a significant amount of variance in PWB, with significant indirect effects via spirituality, indicating a partial mediation. Chi-square difference tests supported the hypothesis that this mediation effect was moderated by sexual orientation. CIH use was not statistically significant.DiscussionHIV stigma’s negative relationship with PWB was salient in both groups. Spirituality’s buffer between HIV stigma and PWB was stronger in older gay/bisexual MWH compared to their heterosexual counterparts. With respect to HIV stigma, older gay/bisexual MWH exhibited a “crisis competence†in coping with stigma, perhaps through overcoming past homophobia related to their sexual minority status (i.e., homophobia).

Suggested Citation

  • Kristen E PorterPhD & Mark Brennan-IngPhD & Jeffrey A BurrPhD & Elizabeth DuganPhD & Stephen E KarpiakPhD, 2019. "HIV Stigma and Older Men’s Psychological Well-Being: Do Coping Resources Differ for Gay/Bisexual and Straight Men?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(4), pages 685-693.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:74:y:2019:i:4:p:685-693.
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