Sexual Anxiety Among Non-Monogamous Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Phenomenological Study

Sexual anxiety is a prevalent issue among men who have sex with men (MSM) that negatively affects sexual satisfaction and wellbeing. However, research investigating sexual anxiety among MSM has been scarce. This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to address knowledge gaps and identify the predominant underlying causes of sexual anxiety among non-monogamous MSM. Using purposive sampling, eleven sexually active, non-monogamous MSM were recruited for this study (N=11). Data were collected using audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994) structured approach to data analysis in phenomenological research. Participant descriptions of their lived experiences of sexual anxiety identified six prevalent causes among MSM individuals. These included performance anxiety, fear of HIV, fear of bacterial STIs, internalized homophobia, body image dissatisfaction, and history of sexual abuse. Not surprisingly, fear of HIV was the dominant cause of sexual anxiety among most participants. Recommendations to prevent and reduce sexual anxiety among MSM are provided.

Grantor dc:publisher

Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Peixoto, Cayden

Contributors dc:contributor

• Leonard, Lynne Elizabeth
• Macpherson, Paul Andrew

• Sexual Anxiety
• Sexual Health
• HIV
• STIs
• Body Image
• Internalized Homophobia
• Men who have sex with men
• MSM
• Qualitative Research
• Phenomenology

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.20381/ruor-25310

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/41086