NCJ Number
246790
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 38 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 434-444
Date Published
March 2014
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Using a Syndemics Theory conceptual model, this study examined the relationship between emotional neglect experiences during childhood and/or adolescence and involvement in behaviors that increase the risk for HIV in a sample of adult men who sought male partners for unprotected sex via the Internet.
Abstract
Emotional neglect was a common experience of the men in this study sample; however, the study found that emotional neglect experienced during these men's formative years was not directly related to their involvement in behaviors as adults that put them at risk for any of the eight behaviors associated with increased risk for HIV. The study did find, however, that emotional neglect in childhood was related to low self-esteem as adults, which previous research has established as being related to an increased risk for substance abuse. The study was based on a national random sample of 332 men who used the Internet to seek men with whom they could engage in unprotected sex. Data were collected by telephone between January 2008 and May 2009. Structural equation analysis was conducted in order to determine the specific nature of the relationships involved in behaviors that increased the risk for contracting HIV. 1 table, 2 figures, and 60 references