Masculinity, Body Image, and Sexual Behavior in HIV-Seropositive Gay Men: A Two-Phase Formative Behavioral Investigation Using the Internet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the synergistic relationships between conceptions of masculinity, body image, and sexual behavior in HIV-positive gay men. The data were drawn from a two-phase formative behavioral mixed methodologies investigation with the use of the Internet. Findings demonstrated that conceptions of masculinity were intimately linked to body image and sexual adventurism, such that men defined their masculinity by their physical appearance and sexual behavior. Further, the data support high levels of risk taking, including steroid use and intentional unprotected anal intercourse (barebacking), which correlated with the participants’ conception of physical masculinity. Clinical implications suggest that it is critical to examine the interaction that occurs between the individual’s gay, masculine, and HIV-positive identities as these appear to be overlapping realities that have an impact on the decisions and behaviors in which these men engage.