This study examined the relation between stigma and reporting of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM). It was hypothesized that enacted stigma would result in lower reporting of IPV and that the type of IPV would moderate the relationship between enacted stigma and reporting. Using an online survey, we measured IPV (physical, psychological, and sexual violence) and stigma (perceived, enacted, and internalized). Participants (N = 46) were asked if they had ever experienced any of those forms of violence, as well as if they had ever reported the violence through an online survey. They were then asked how likely they would be to report the violence if it happened again in the future. Responses were analyzed using logistical regression with moderation to determine if a) enacted stigma was associated with lower reporting of intimate partner violence and if b) type of violence moderated stigma and reporting, such that physical violence would have the strongest relation between stigma and reporting of IPV. Results showed that enacted stigma was associated with more IPV reporting across all types of violence: physical (coefficient: 1.539, p<.0005), sexual (coefficient: .999, p<.05), and psychological (coefficient: 1.203, p<.005). Results of testing the moderating role of violence type on the relationship between enacted stigma and IPV were non-significant for all types of violence. In conclusion, the more enacted stigma that was experienced, the more reporting occurred. In addition, type of violence did not moderate the relation between enacted stigma and reporting of intimate partner violence.

Sexual minority individuals face disparities of treatment from clinical and medical health professionals. In particular, there is a dearth of research and training surrounding human sexuality topics for sexual minorities. Research on sexual minority groups in this area can contribute to reducing treatment disparities. Consequently, the proposed study is a content analysis of social science literature in order to gauge trends in the amount of research focused on the intersection of sexual minorities and sex research. Articles from a database search of relevant keywords were coded for several variables, including overall level of focus on sexual minorities and on human sexuality topics, study sample composition, research funding sources, and whether the article offered any clinical implications. The study aims, with its results, to suggest possible directions for social science and sex research, in the hopes that future research will be better able to assist professionals in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse population.

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Exploring the functions of chemical substances in individuals' sexual behavior / Interviews in English and Afrikaans / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)