Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2019
Publication Title
Sexualities
Volume
22
Issue
4
First Page
622
Keywords
resilience, syndemic, adverse childhood events, gay men
Last Page
642
Abstract
Investigation of the social and psychological antecedents of the HIV epidemic has identified a syndemic of conditions associated with risk behavior and seroconversion. This study inquires into the resilient practices and developmental processes of gay and bisexual men at the nexus of syndemic conditions to understand the pathways that lead to health problems or well-being. Interviews with 40 men identified branching pathways from home environments into schools that either offer refuge or a regime of gender discipline and bullying. Some found escape routes from hostile environments in worlds of books, pop culture, or internet chat. In adolescence, one set of men identified the development of sexual relationships with older men as a lifeline that brought a measure of emotional growth. This study points to resilience pathways and social resources that could make a difference in the lives of those deemed to be ‘‘high risk.’’
DOI
10.1177/1363460718758663
Funding Reference Number
CIHR
Recommended Citation
Barry D Adam, Trevor Hart, Jack Mohr, Todd Coleman, and Julia Vernon. 2019. “Resilience pathways, childhood escape routes, and mentors reported by gay and bisexual men affected by syndemic conditions” Sexualities 22(4): 622–642.
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Development Studies Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Health Psychology Commons