Religious Socialization: Its Impact on the Sexual Behavioral Development of Black Men who have Sex with Men in Emerging Adulthood Open Access

Abstract

Abstract

Religious Socialization: Its Impact on the Sexual Behavioral Development of Black Men who Have Sex with Men in Emerging Adulthood

By Raphael Coleman

Aspects of religious socialization and potential corresponding influences on the sexual behavioral development of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in emerging adulthood are explored in this study. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 Black MSM ages 18-25 in Atlanta, Georgia. Findings included (1) heterosexual focus of messages received from faith leaders, (2) sexually "acting out" in response to homophobic religious messages and teachings, (3) attitudes about sexuality and perceptions of religious messages about sex serving as strong influencers of sexual behavior. (4) current faith practices discourage sexual concurrency, and (5) focusing on spirituality as opposed to religious tradition improves feelings of self-worth. Implications for future research and HIV prevention efforts targeting Black MSM are discussed.

Table of Contents

Contents
Chapter One: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
Introduction and Rationale .......................................................................................................... 1
Purpose of Study .......................................................................................................................... 3
Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................................ 4
Research Questions ..................................................................................................................... 7
Assumptions ................................................................................................................................. 8
Chapter Two: Literature Review ..................................................................................................... 9
Importance of the Black Church as a Sphere of Influence in the Black Community ................... 9
Messages about Sex ............................................................................................................... 10
Messages about Homophobia ............................................................................................... 10
Religiosity and Sexual Behavior ................................................................................................. 12
Early Influences and Coital Debut .......................................................................................... 12
Early Influences and Subsequent Sexual Behavior ................................................................ 13
Current Religious Experience and Current Sexual Behavior .................................................. 14
Importance of Emerging Adulthood ...................................................................................... 15
Limitations of Current Literature and Future Directions ........................................................... 15
Chapter 3: Methodology ................................................................................................................ 19
Research Design ......................................................................................................................... 19
Target Population and Sample ................................................................................................... 19
Sampling and Recruitment......................................................................................................... 19
Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................. 20
Interview Guide and Questionnaire ........................................................................................... 21
Human Subjects ......................................................................................................................... 24
Interview Setting and Procedures .............................................................................................. 25
Data Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 26
Strengths and limitations ........................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 4: Results .......................................................................................................................... 31
To what extent does religious upbringing influence the age of MSM sexual debut? ............... 32
Heterosexual Focus of Religious Messages ........................................................................... 32
Rebellion in Response to Negative Messages about Same-Sex Sexual Behavior .................. 34
Through what mechanisms could religious socialization impact the age of MSM sexual debut?36
1) Group Affiliation ................................................................................................................ 37
2) Religious Behavior or Activity ............................................................................................ 38
3) Individual Attitudes about Sexual Behavior and Sexuality ................................................ 39
4) Perceptions about the Belief Systems of the Religious Institution ................................... 40
How does current religious experience relate to sexual behavior? .......................................... 41
Distinguishing between Religion and Spirituality .................................................................. 41
Current Religious Experience Discourages Sexual Concurrency ............................................ 42
Focusing on Spirituality as Opposed to Religious Tradition improves Feelings of Self-Worth42
Chapter 5: Discussion and Implications......................................................................................... 44
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 44
Positioning findings in Theoretical Context ............................................................................... 45
Implications ................................................................................................................................ 48
Recommendations for Practice .............................................................................................. 48
Recommendations for Research ............................................................................................ 50
Limitations ................................................................................................................................. 51
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 51
References ...................................................................................................................................... 53

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Behavioral Sciences and Health Education
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health Health Sciences, Human Development Religion, General
Keyword	HIV Sexual Debut Socialization Sexuality Religion
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Jacob Arriola, Kimberly R, Emory University
Committee Members	Malebranche, David J, Emory University Nehl, Eric J., Emory University
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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