Perceived group devaluation, depression, and HIV-risk behavior among Asian gay men.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined depressive mood and HIV-risk behavior in relation to perceived group devaluation and group identity.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of 192 Asian gay men.


METHODS
Depressive mood assessed using the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and self-reported receptive or insertive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the past 3 months.


RESULTS
Group devaluation was positively associated with depressive mood. Among participants most attracted to Whites, group devaluation was associated with higher levels of nonprimary partner UAI; but was associated with lower levels of nonprimary partner UAI [corrected] among those most attracted to non-Whites. Among participants reporting higher levels of group devaluation, those with more positive personal evaluations of the Asian gay community had lower levels of total UAI compared to those with more negative personal evaluations of the Asian gay community.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that group devaluation is associated with higher levels of depressive mood among Asian gay men. Asian gay men most attracted to non-Whites or hold more positive evaluations of their group may be buffered from the influence of high perceived group devaluation on UAI.
Chae
David H
DH
Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA. dhchae@post.harvard.edu
Yoshikawa
Hirokazu
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006306:Health Surveys; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012933:Social Identification; D013240:Stereotyping; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*