An Innovative, Prospective Model to Understand Risk and Protective Factors for Sexual Assault Experiences and Outcomes Among Sexual Minority Men

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Project Summary Nearly half of sexual minority (SM) men experience adult sexual assault (ASA) victimization (e.g., sexual coercion, rape) in their lifetime, and as many as 30% of SM men report lifetime ASA perpetration. Rates of ASA victimization and perpetration among SM men are alarmingly high even when measured over short periods of time. However, little research has examined risk and protective factors for ASA victimization or perpetration among SM men. Research that does exist is mostly cross-sectional or focuses on sexual IPV rather than ASA across a broad range of perpetrator–victim relationships (e.g., acquaintance, established partner). The lack of research on ASA among SM men precludes researchers and practitioners from developing risk reduction and prevention programming specifically for this population. There is also a dearth of research on factors that predict outcomes associated with ASA victimization among SM men, information that is sorely needed to create affirming interventions for SM men who experience ASA victimization. The purpose of the proposed study is to utilize a longitudinal, prospective design to test three innovative models that include established (e.g., child sexual abuse, heavy episodic drinking), as well as population-specific (e.g., internalized homonegativity, LGBTQ+ sense of community), risk and protective factors to predict experiences of ASA perpetration among SM men (Aim 1); experiences of ASA victimization among SM men (Aim 2); and adverse Exploratory analyses will examine how latent classes that capture multiple intersecting marginalized social identities (i.e., sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender identity) and experiences of minority-related stress, act as predictors and moderators in the hypothesized models (Aim 4). outcomes among SM men who experience an ASA victimization (Aim 3). We focus on young adult SM men (ages 18 to 30) given that rates of ASA are highest among this population and primary prevention of ASA is of paramount importance. We will also include SM men regardless of their relationship status since ASA can occur in various types of relationships (e.g., serious relationship, friends with benefits, acquaintances) and less commonly among strangers. The methodology includes recruiting a geographically and racially diverse sample of SM men (N = 3,600) via To ensure racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in our sample for the purpose of addressing intersectionality (Aim 4), we will oversample Black and/or Latinx SM men as well as trans and transmasculine men. Participants (N = 3600) will complete online surveys at 0-, 6-, 12-, 18, and 24- months. various online platforms and community-based agencies across the U.S. This proposed project aligns with NIMHD’s research priorities to advance the scientific understanding of health disparities and improve minority health. Moreover, the proposed project will provide critically important information that will inform the immediate development of affirming and culturally grounded prevention programs (to reduce ASA perpetration), risk reduction programs (to reduce ASA victimization), and intervention initiatives (to reduce adverse outcomes associated with ASA victimization).