Masculine gender role conflict (MGRC) occurs when externally-imposed male gender role expectations have a negative impact on and consequences for men. The purpose of this study was to examine how men in a homogeneous setting (i.e., a college campus) compare on MGRC and psychological well-being, based on their self-identified sexual orientation. Utilizing canonical correlation analysis, 96 heterosexual men and 102 gay men were compared on four factors of MGRC (conflict between work and family, restrictive emotionality, restrictive affectionate behavior between men, and success, power, and competition) and five factors of psychological well-being (anger, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and attitudes toward seeking psychological help). Findings for the heterosexual men were highly consistent with previous studies on MGRC and psychological well-being in a college-age population. Findings for the gay men indicated they had more problems with MGRC and psychological well-being than college-age and older gay men surveyed in the one published study on gay men and MGRC. Gay men who were single also reported more problems with restrictive emotionality, anger, anxiety, and depression, and had lower self-esteem, than gay men who were in a relationship. Between group differences were few, with gay men reporting significantly less restrictive affectionate behavior between men than heterosexual men. There were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the psychological well-being variables, indicating that the gay men were no more pathological than the heterosexual men with respect to their psychological well-being. Overall, the psychological well-being of both populations was seen to suffer as a result of increased MGRC. Implications are discussed for psychological interventions with men who are bound by traditional male gender role stereotypes.

Gender role issues have been an integral part of psychology since the 1970s. More recently, theories and research have surfaced concerning the issues of maleness in our society. Most of these theories focus on masculine gender role and how it affects men in various ways, e.g., their psychological well-being, substance use, relational abilities, and help-seeking behaviors. One area of maleness that has consistently been left out of the Masculine Role Conflict (MRC) debate is that of homosexuality. As a gay man develops, he finds himself at odds with society over something that he experiences biologically as normal and appropriate. It is the contention of this paper that MRC is an issue related to psychological distress among gay men and not psychological weakness in gay men, per se.

M.A. (Counselling Psychology) / This study is an examination of the context of the gay male individual with HIV illness. A psychosocial model is used to investigate the effects of HIV disease on the individual, his partner and the relationship. The model includes a discussion of variables which are related to adjustment to the disease." These include the special characteristics of HIV disease such as the stigma and the progressive nature of the disease. Furthermore the personality characteristics of the individual and the characteristics of his situation are examined. These factors together contribute to making HIV positive diagnosis a crisis for the individual in his context. A case study approach was used to research the subjective experiences of an HIV infected gay man and his partner. In depth interviews were conducted in order to obtain qualitative data on the individuals within the context of their relationship. The data obtained from the interviews supports the literature in many respects. Of special importance is the impact of an HIV positive diagnosis on intimacy in the relationship. Also important are the changes which occur in the sexual relationship as a result of fear of transmission of the HIV virus. Other important changes include adapting to the uncertainty of living with HIV disease and coping with the emotional reactions, which follow HIV diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of emotional support within the primary relationship as well as the role of friends and family in adjusting to HIV disease. The study also demonstrates the importance of effective communication in dealing with the various stresses associated with HIV disease. Lastly therapeutic interventions have been suggested for counselling the gay infected person and his partner in order to help them to cope with the crisis of HIV disease.

Despite legal and policy advancements in South Africa, prejudice, discrimination and victimisation are still a reality for many lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the country. The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) has embarked on a process to develop lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) affirmative practice guidelines for psychology professionals, when working with these client populations. As a part of the larger objective, this research study highlights LGB people’s experiences of psychotherapy and counselling in South Africa as possible inputs for the mentioned practice guidelines. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with selected participants. The results indicate that some aspects of LGB people’s experiences are similar to those of anyone in psychotherapy or counselling, but also that there are distinct differences. Negative experiences were almost exclusively due to the counsellor being disaffirming of the client's sexual orientation. Self-acceptance and the development of alternative perspectives of sexuality were more prominent outcomes of counselling compared to studies among broader populations. The participants’ feedback on a list of affirmative statements provides a potential basis for future affirmative practice guidelines. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

介紹.與確診多年的HIV陽性男男性接觸者（MSM）相比，新確診的HIV陽性男男性接觸者（N-MSM）傳播HIV的危險性更高，承受更多的心理健康問題，但愛滋病相關知識相對缺乏。目前的研究已經描述了N-MSM的心理健康和危險行為情況，但關於二者影響因素的調查卻甚少，且暫無關於N-MSM獨特相關因素，如疾病認知，安全套使用認知，安全使用的社會道德等的研究报告。目前，中國只有少量關於HIV陽性MSM的研究，無關於N-MSM的研究。 / 目的.本研究的目的包括： 1）描述中國N-MSM的心理健康和危險行為情況；2）驗證疾病認知量表在N-MSM人群的適應性；3）探討N-MSM疾病認知與心理健康（自殺意念，抑鬱，自我歧視和創傷後成長）的關係，並進一步研究在認知表徵與心理健康結果關係中，情感表徵的仲介作用與交互作用； 4）探索疾病認知與心理因素（抑鬱、自我歧視和創傷後成長）對自殺意念的獨立作用與交互作用；和5）研究愛滋病傳播相關危險行為的多方面因素。 / 對象與方法：本研究採用橫斷面研究設計，對中國成都共225名N-MSM進行了面對面訪談和電腦輔助移動電話訪談。根據Moss-Morris的方法，驗證疾病認知問卷的信度及效度； 使用單變量、多變量及分層的logistic和線性回歸等方法進行資料分析。 / 結果.在225名研究對象中，48%有自殺意念和抑鬱表現，35%自我歧視得分較高，17%有積極的創傷後成長。N-MSM的危險行為普遍存在：31%在確診感染後發生過非保護肛交性行為，40%認為在未來6個月意願與HIV陰性男性發生非保護肛交性行為，20%在感染後想過故意將HIV傳染給別人。經驗證，疾病認知問卷在N-MSM中具有良好的心理測量特徵。疾病認知的多個維度，如情感反應和治療控制等，與心理健康結果顯著相關。在認知表徵與心理健康結果的關係中，情感表徵表現出強烈的仲介作用。兩個疾病認知維度（情感反應與治療控制）和兩個心理因素（抑鬱和創傷後成長）對自殺意念有獨立作用，但無交互作用。影響N-MSM危險行為的多方面因素包括安全套相關認知，情感因素，心理健康和社會道德。 / 結論.本研究結果顯示中國N-MSM心理健康問題和危險行為是普遍存在的。疾病認知與心理健康結果的顯著聯繫，提示了可以通過改善N-MSM的疾病認知從而減少該人群的心理健康問題；在HIV領域中，這是一個新的研究方向。在對N-MSM危險行為的幹預研究中，需考慮影響N-MSM的獨特因素，如安全套相關認知，情感反應和社會責任等。 / Introduction.Newly diagnosed HIV positive men who have sex with men (N-MSM) comprise a special subgroup of HIV positive MSM, as they have higher risks of transmission via anal sex, suffer from more mental health problems, and possess less knowledge of HIV/AIDS than those who have been diagnosed for many years. Previous studies have investigated the prevalence of mental health and risk behaviours among N-MSMs, while few studies have explored the risk factors associated with these health-related outcomes, particularly the factors unique to N-MSMs, like illness perception, cognitions regarding condom use, social morality of condom use, etc. China provides only limited data about HIV positive MSM, and no such data is about N-MSMs. / Objectives.The aims of the study were to 1) investigate the characteristics of mental health and risk behaviours among N-MSMs in China; 2) validate the revised illness perception questionnaire (IPQ-R) modified for N-MSMs; 3) examine the effects of patients’ illness perception on their mental health outcomes and determine the mediating or moderating effects of emotional representation on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes; 4) examine the main effects and interaction effects of illness perception and psychological variables on suicidal ideation; and 5) investigate the multidimensional factors associated with risk behaviours related to HIV transmission. / Subjects and Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chengdu, China. A total of 225 N-MSMs participated in this study. Both face-to-face and computer-assisted mobile phone interviews were applied. The methodology by Moss-Morris was used to validate IPQ-R among N-MSMs. Univariate, multivariate, hierarchical logistic, and linear regression methods were used for data analysis. / Results.Of all participants, 48% had suicidal ideation and depression, and 36% reported self-stigma, but only 17% experienced posttraumatic growth (PTG). Risk behaviours were prevalent: 32% had had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) since HIV diagnosis, 40% had the intention to have UAI with HIV negative men in the coming 6 months, and 20% had had thoughts of transmitting HIV to others purposely since HIV diagnosis. The modified IPQ-R for N-MSMs was validated and found to have acceptable psychometric properties. Most dimensions of illness perception (such as emotional response, treatment control and consequences) were significantly associated with mental health outcomes. Emotional representation had strong mediation effects rather than moderator effects on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes. Two illness perception dimensions (emotional response and treatment control) and two psychological variables (depression and PTG) showed independent effects on suicidal ideation, but not interaction effects on suicidal ideation. Multidimensional factors, such as variables related to cognitions of condom use, emotional affect (feelings of guilt regarding HIV transmission to others), mental health, and social morality (perceptions regarding responsibility for condom use), were associated with risk behaviours among N-MSMs. / Conclusions.The results show that mental health problems and risk behaviours are prevalent among Chinese N-MSM. Illness perception has a strong influence on mental health outcomes, indicating a new direction for the reduction of mental health problems via the modification of patients’ illness perception. Multidimensional factors are associated with risk behaviours related to HIV transmission, such as cognitions of condom use, emotional affection and social morality, which are unique to HIV infectors and should be considered in the development of intervention programs among N-MSMs. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Wu, Xiaobing. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 257-276). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / List of Contents --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Figures --- p.xv / Abbreviations --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- The importance of HIV positive men who have sex with men as a source of HIV transmission --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- The importance of newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM (N-MSM) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Knowledge gaps about N-MSM --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Illness perception as a relative new perceptive in HIV research --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Aims --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Structure of the thesis --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Summary --- p.15 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature review --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1 --- HIV epidemic --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Global HIV/AIDS epidemic --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- HIV/AIDS in China --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- MSM and HIV --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- HIV epidemic among MSM worldwide --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM in China --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Risk sexual behavior among HIV positive MSM and its determinants --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Mental health problems faced by HIV positive MSM --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Studies of PLWH in China --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3 --- Newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM (N-MSM) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- HIV transmission risk varies at different stages of HIV infection --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- More risky sexual behavior among N-MSM --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- More stress and lack of knowledge among N-MSM --- p.46 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Definition of N-MSM --- p.47 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Studies about N-MSM --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4 --- Self-regulation model and illness representation --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Self-regulation model --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Illness representation --- p.52 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Application of illness representation in HIV research --- p.60 / Chapter 2.5 --- Audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Types of questionnaire deliver modes --- p.61 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Comparisons of sexual behavior reporting between ACASI and other delivery modes --- p.63 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Limitations of ACASI --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Subjects and Methods --- p.67 / Chapter 3.1 --- The study site --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2 --- Study population --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3 --- Recruitment of study participants --- p.68 / Chapter 3.4 --- Data collection procedure --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Face-to-face interview --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Computer-assisted mobile phone interview --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Service provision and incentives --- p.71 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Sample size and the representativeness --- p.71 / Chapter 3.5 --- Quality control --- p.71 / Chapter 3.6 --- Establishment of the CAMP system --- p.72 / Chapter 3.7 --- Collaborator --- p.73 / Chapter 3.8 --- Measurements --- p.74 / Chapter 3.9 --- Statistical analysis --- p.83 / Chapter 3.10 --- Ethical approval --- p.85 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Participant profiles --- p.86 / Chapter 4.1 --- Background --- p.86 / Chapter 4.2 --- Objectives --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Background information --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Mental health outcomes --- p.88 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- HIV secondary transmission related behaviours --- p.90 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Service utilization and quality of life --- p.94 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.95 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Validation of the revised illness perception questionnaire among newly diagnosed HIV positive MSMs --- p.111 / Chapter 5.1 --- Background --- p.111 / Chapter 5.2 --- Objectives --- p.112 / Chapter 5.3 --- Modification and translation --- p.113 / Chapter 5.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.114 / Chapter 5.5 --- Results --- p.116 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Items of the main cognitive representation subscales --- p.116 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Items of the emotional response subscale --- p.117 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Items of the causal attribution subscale --- p.118 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- Examination of the identity subscale --- p.118 / Chapter 5.5.5 --- Descriptions of the derived subscales --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5.6 --- Inter-correlations among subscales --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5.7 --- External validity --- p.120 / Chapter 5.5.8 --- Associations between background variables and illness perception --- p.120 / Chapter 5.6 --- Discussion --- p.121 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Relationships between illness perception and mental health outcomes among N-MSM --- p.132 / Chapter 6.1 --- Background --- p.132 / Chapter 6.2 --- Objectives --- p.134 / Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.136 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Analysis of the associations between illness perception and mental health outcomes --- p.136 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Analysis of the mediation effects of emotional response on the associations between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.137 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Analysis of moderating effects of emotional response on the associations between cognitive representation and mental health outcomes --- p.139 / Chapter 6.4 --- Results --- p.140 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Suicidal ideation --- p.140 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Depression --- p.142 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Self-stigma --- p.145 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Posttraumatic growth --- p.147 / Chapter 6.5 --- Summary --- p.149 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Associations between illness perception and health related outcomes --- p.149 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- Summary of the mediation effects of emotional response on the association between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.150 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- Summary of the moderating effects of emotional response on the association between cognitive representation and health related outcomes --- p.150 / Chapter 6.6 --- Discussion --- p.151 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- The main and interaction effects of illness perception and other psychological variables on suicidal ideation among N-MSM --- p.177 / Chapter 7.1 --- Background --- p.177 / Chapter 7.2 --- Objectives and hypothesis --- p.179 / Chapter 7.3 --- Data analysis and results --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.1 --- Associated factors of suicidal ideation in univariate analysis --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.2 --- The associations between illness perception / psychological variables and suicidal ideation --- p.180 / Chapter 7.3.3 --- The independent effects of emotional response/treatment control and psychological variables on suicidal ideation --- p.182 / Chapter 7.3.4 --- Analysis of the interaction effects between illness perception and psychological variables onto suicidal ideation --- p.184 / Chapter 7.4 --- Discussion --- p.184 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Risk behaviours related to HIV transmission and associated factors --- p.197 / Chapter 8.1 --- Background --- p.197 / Chapter 8.2 --- Objectives --- p.199 / Chapter 8.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.202 / Chapter 8.4 --- Results --- p.203 / Chapter 8.4.1 --- Factors associated with having had UAI with men since HIV diagnosis --- p.203 / Chapter 8.4.2 --- Factors associated with intention to have UAI with HIV negative men in the coming 6 months --- p.205 / Chapter 8.4.3 --- Factors associated with having the thoughts of transmitting HIV to others purposively since HIV diagnosis --- p.206 / Chapter 8.5 --- Discussion --- p.207 / Chapter Chapter 9 --- Conclusions --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1 --- Summaries and interpretations of findings related to mental health --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1.1 --- Poor mental health status --- p.225 / Chapter 9.1.2 --- A validated revised illness perception questionnaire (IPQ-R) among N-MSM --- p.226 / Chapter 9.1.3 --- Strong associations between illness perception and mental health outcomes --- p.226 / Chapter 9.1.4 --- Significant associations between illness perception / other psychological variables and suicidal ideation --- p.227 / Chapter 9.2 --- Summaries and interpretations of findings related to risk behaviours --- p.228 / Chapter 9.2.1 --- Prevalent risk behaviours --- p.228 / Chapter 9.2.2 --- Factors affecting the risk behaviours related to HIV transmission and implications --- p.229 / Chapter 9.3 --- Service implications --- p.231 / Chapter 9.3.1 --- Intervention programs for reducing mental health problems --- p.231 / Chapter 9.3.2 --- Intervention programs for reducing risk behaviours related to HIV transmission --- p.233 / Chapter 9.3.3 --- Policy support in HIV prevention --- p.236 / Chapter 9.4 --- Study limitations --- p.238 / Chapter 9.5 --- Recommendations for future research --- p.239 / Chapter 9.5.1 --- Longitudinal studies --- p.239 / Chapter 9.5.2 --- Behavioural studies --- p.240 / Chapter 9.5.3 --- Intervention studies --- p.240 / Chapter 9.6 --- Conclusions --- p.241 / Chapter Appendix I --- Questionnaire for face-to-face interview --- p.243 / Chapter Appendix II --- Questionnaire for computer-assisted mobile phone interview --- p.254 / Reference --- p.257

The present thesis explored the experiences and correlates of victimization among Chinese gay men and lesbians in Hong Kong with the aim at reducing their victimization experiences in future. This thesis had two studies. Study One was a cross-sectional study to examine correlates of victimization experiences. Based on the stress and coping paradigm, an integrated model on victimization experiences was developed. The model composed of three predicting factors of victimization experiences: predispositional stressors including gender role atypicality and internalized homophobia, cognitive appraisal variables including perceived discrimination and gay/lesbian community involvement, and sexual identity management strategies including counterfeiting, integration, and confrontation. A total of 645 Chinese gay men and lesbians in Hong Kong participated in this study. Results of path analyses showed that sexual identity management strategy of confrontation was the immediate correlate of victimization. Cognitive appraisal variables, including perceived discrimination and gay/lesbian community involvement, were also directly related to victimization experiences. Predisposition stressors, including gender role atypicality and internalized homophobia, were related to cognitive appraisal variables and sexual identity management strategies, which in turn predicted victimization experiences. The cross-sectional model was examined with four types of victimization experiences, including verbal insults, physical attacks, sexual assaults, and unfair treatment; and with gay men and lesbians separately. Results showed that the model was more predictive of physical attacks and sexual assaults of gay men. Based on the final cross-sectional model, a longitudinal model on victimization experiences and a psychoeducational program on sexual identity management strategies were developed. Study Two was a three-month follow-up study to examine the longitudinal model and to evaluate the effectiveness of the psychoeducational program on reducing future victimization experiences. A random sample of 392 participants from Study One was recruited to Study Two. Results of path analyses showed that victimization experiences at T2 (Time Two) were predicted by three longitudinal paths. Confrontation at T1 (Time One) had direct impact on confrontation at T2, which was linked to victimization experiences at T2. Victimization experiences at T1 predicted confrontation at T2, which was related to victimization experiences at T2. Victimization experiences at T1 had direct effects on victimization experiences at T2. Similar to the cross-sectional model, the longitudinal model was more predictive of physical attacks and sexual assaults of gay men. Results also showed that the psychoeducational program was effective in reducing participants' victimization experiences in future. Compared with the control group, participants of the psychoeducational program used less confrontation strategy, more counterfeiting and integration strategies from T1 to T2. Participants showed greater reduction in victimization experiences than the control group from T1 to T2. Compared with lesbians, gay men demonstrated greater reduction in victimization experiences after the psychoeducational program. Limitations and service implications of the studies were discussed. / Wong Chi Yan. / "August 2005." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-01, Section: B, page: 0566. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 262-291). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Despite legal and policy advancements in South Africa, prejudice, discrimination and victimisation are still a reality for many lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the country. The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) has embarked on a process to develop lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) affirmative practice guidelines for psychology professionals, when working with these client populations. As a part of the larger objective, this research study highlights LGB people’s experiences of psychotherapy and counselling in South Africa as possible inputs for the mentioned practice guidelines. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with selected participants. The results indicate that some aspects of LGB people’s experiences are similar to those of anyone in psychotherapy or counselling, but also that there are distinct differences. Negative experiences were almost exclusively due to the counsellor being disaffirming of the client's sexual orientation. Self-acceptance and the development of alternative perspectives of sexuality were more prominent outcomes of counselling compared to studies among broader populations. The participants’ feedback on a list of affirmative statements provides a potential basis for future affirmative practice guidelines. / Psychology / M. A. (Clinical Psychology)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Sexual encounters among gay men produce distinct meanings when methamphetamine is involved. Few studies have inquired about the meanings gay men ascribe to their meth and sex encounters. We have yet to ask, what meanings do these experiences hold and how are they constructed? Using qualitative data gathered from one-on-one semi-structured interviews with eleven men, at least 18 years of age and who report using meth during sex with another man in the past 90 days, this study explored the meanings constructed from the participants’ meth-sex experiences. The analysis revealed several important themes helping to explain why these men use meth and have sex with other men including belonging; being in, searching for and falling out of love; having sex for 12 hours; dealing with HIV; and, confronting addiction. The findings impart a meaningful role for belonging, love, sex and disease as socially constructed through the intersection of the body, mind, social interaction and the environment in which lived experiences unfold. Previous research supports several of these themes while at least one theme, i.e. love, extends our understanding of meth and sex among gay men. I assert belonging binds the themes together. The desire to belong came across more powerful and determining in its meaningfulness than the risks associated with sexual encounters where meth is present.