HIV and gay men in the era of antiretroviral therapy

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed versionIn the UK, HIV disproportionately affects gay men. Even in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), social stigma surrounding HIV has persisted, generating adverse consequences for both prevention and care. First, the science and epidemiology of HIV among gay men are presented. Second, social representations theory and identity process theory are outlined as tools for exploring awareness, understanding and behaviour in relation to HIV. Third, some of the psychosocial challenges associated with HIV prevention and care are outlined and the potential coping strategies among gay men are discussed. Fourth, patient engagement with care and adherence to ART are considered in relation to psychosocial factors. Fifth, a model for enhancing HIV prevention and care is presented. It is argued that greater focus on psychosocial factors can enhance health outcomes among gay men living with, or at risk of, HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus and trans women: a literature review

Trans women are a key, yet under-researched, population in the HIV epidemic. However, there remains a paucity of data on the health and wellbeing of trans women at risk of, or living with, HIV in the United Kingdom. This article provides a narrative review of key empirical research into HIV among trans women. In an effort to explore individual and social factors in relation to HIV in this population, we outline key tenets of identity process theory from social psychology and the concept of structural violence from medical anthropology. We focus on published studies around the following themes: (1) epidemiological data, (2) syndemic factors (3) barriers to social support, (4) HIV and gender transitioning, and (5) access to and engagement with health care. We identify lacunae and thus call for United Kingdom-based research in the following areas: (1) the prevalence and incidence of HIV in trans women, (2) the impact of syndemic factors on HIV risk and acquisition in trans women, (3) the nature of social support for coping with syndemic factors, (4) the interface of gender transitioning and HIV, and (5) barriers to accessing HIV prevention and care services. There is great scope (and urgency) for research into HIV among trans women, especially in the United Kingdom, to reduce incidence in this group, to enhance engagement in HIV care across the care continuum, and to improve the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV. A tentative model for HIV prevention and care is presented in this article

Chemsex, Identity and Sexual Health among Gay and Bisexual Men

This article focuses on some of the social, cultural and psychological aspects of drug use in sexualized settings in gay and bisexual men (referred to as “chemsex”). Using a narrative review approach, the article examines previous empirical research in this area and presents a novel theoretical approach for understanding and predicting chemsex behavior. Tenets of identity process theory from social psychology are drawn upon to offer an integrative theoretical framework within which the social, cultural and psychological underpinnings of chemsex can be collectively examined. Existing empirical research suggests that gay and bisexual men may experience sexuality-related stressors that can undermine feelings of self-esteem, self-efficacy, continuity and positive distinctiveness. Identity process theory examines how individuals react to threats to identity brought about by these stressors. In response to identity threat, gay and bisexual men may engage in chemsex as a coping response that encompasses and facilitates various, largely maladaptive, coping strategies and tactics. The more chemsex is perceived as enhancing identity processes and as averting identity threat, the more central it is likely to be to the identities of participants. The centrality of chemsex to one’s identity may preclude self-withdrawal from the practice. Several directions for future research are presented based on existing work on chemsex viewed through the lens of identity process theory. These should form the basis of future empirical research in the sphere of sexual health among gay and bisexual men and the outcomes of this research should inform policy and practice in this area

Language and Social Identity: A Psychosocial Approach

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.LANGUAGE seems to have two principal functions; it is, of course, an instrument of commu- nication, but it can also constitute a means of asserting one’s identity or one’s distinctive- ness from others. A common language may be the ideal vehicle to express the unique character of a social group, and to encourage common social ties on the basis of a common identity (Dieckhoff, 2004). Here it is argued that language can be a robust marker of social identity, capable of binding and dividing groups and that its salience may displace other (e.g. ethnic or religious) identities (Jaspal & Coyle, in press). It is primarily sociolinguistics which has concerned itself with questions of language and identity (e.g. Rampton, 1995; Harris, 2006) but here it is argued that a variety of social psychological theories of identity may complement and enrich the ongoing, primarily sociolinguistic, debate on the relationship between language and social identity

Social representation and identity processes in relation to COVID-19 reactions:An introduction

The articles in this special issue enable us not only to reflect upon changes in rep- resentation, identity and human reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to antici- pate the effects of future health crises. More generally, they demonstrate the multitude of ways in which research can and should be conducted, but also the value in ensuring a coordinated research effort that seeks to synthesise research findings. It should be noted that in all the arti- cles in the special issue there is a strong focus upon social psychological theory. This is based upon the premise that evidence-based policy approaches to risk reactions that are grounded in robust, testable theory are more likely to be effective. The social sciences have a crucial role to play in enhancing future pandemic preparedness. This special issue presents some key foci for research that seeks to do so