MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 22 (UPI)

The degree of internalized homonegativity — negative attitude on homosexuality — among gay men predicts mental and sexual health, U.S. researchers said.

As part of attending an HIV prevention seminar, 422 Midwestern gay and bisexual men completed surveys assessing their degree of homosexuality, their degree of positive or negative attitudes towards homosexuality and a range of mental and sexual health variables.

In all cases, internalized homonegativity — not being homosexual — predicted poorer mental health particularly increased depression and worse sexual health, the researchers at the University of Minnesota said.

“This study is a missing link in our understanding of the relationship between sexuality and health,” study leader Simon Rosser said in a statement. “It provides new evidence that negative attitudes towards homosexuality, not homosexuality itself, are associated with both poorer mental and sexual health outcomes seen in sexual minorities. Conversely, positive attitudes towards homosexuality are associated with better mental and sexual health.”

The old advice to gay men to fight, deny, or minimize their homosexuality likely only increases depression, greater isolation, and poorer sexual health, Rosser said.

The study appears in the Journal of Homosexuality.

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