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Psychosocial Syndemic Correlates of Sexual Compulsivity Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

Efforts have been made to better understand sexual compulsivity by examining salient psychosocial syndemic correlates, though examination of such factors has yielded inconclusive results. Given that research on sexual compulsivity has predominately involved men who have sex with men (MSM), the aims of the current study were to establish the mean effect sizes of seven psychosocial syndemic indicators with sexual compulsivity, to determine if the effect varied as a function of the type of psychosocial syndemic, and investigate the potential moderating effects using MSM samples. A total of 95 studies were included for analyses among the psychosocial syndemic indicators of interest (i.e., depression, anxiety, alcohol use, drug use, intimate partner violence, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual risk behavior). Results revealed a medium mean effect size of sexual compulsivity, the strength of which was significantly moderated by type of psychosocial syndemic indicator. Significant mean effect sizes for all syndemic indicators on sexual compulsivity were found, with depression and anxiety having the strongest relationships; significant moderating effects were found and are discussed. Findings highlight clinical considerations regarding sexual compulsivity and its role within the HIV syndemic framework among MSM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4611, USA

    Benjamin M. Rooney & Aaron J. Blashill

  2. Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Tyler G. Tulloch

  3. SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA

    Aaron J. Blashill

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  1. Benjamin M. Rooney
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Rooney, B.M., Tulloch, T.G. & Blashill, A.J. Psychosocial Syndemic Correlates of Sexual Compulsivity Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Meta-Analysis. Arch Sex Behav 47, 75–93 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-017-1032-3

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