Start Date
10-10-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
10-10-2025 2:00 PM
Description
Objective: Sexual minority men (SMM) account for over two-thirds of new HIV infections in the United States. Minority stress is associated with multiple adverse physiological, physical, mental health, and behavioral outcomes. Guided by the Broaden and Build theory, the current study aims to examine whether optimism and positive affect (PA) are related to mental and behavioral health among stimulant-using MSM with HIV.
Methods: Cross-sectional data from 254 MSM with HIV reporting stimulant use, who participated in a broader longitudinal study, were analyzed. Study variables were measured using validated psychological instruments, self-report, and viral load. Multiple linear regression models were tested to examine direct effects and the moderation of Optimism PA via interaction. The models were adjusted for HIV diagnosis, age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, relationship status, and incarceration.
Results: Higher optimism and positive affect were associated with lower depression and anxiety symptoms. Optimism moderate vs. low OR=0.42 (95% CI 0.24–0.76), high vs. low OR=0.14 (0.05–0.39), PA OR=0.92 (0.86–0.98). ART adherence showed no significant statistical association with the predictors. Graduate-degree status was related to lower odds of undetectable viral load (β=−1.89, p=.026). Stimulant severity was higher for ages 66–80 vs. 18–35 and for multiracial vs. White participants.
Conclusion: Findings reveal optimism and PA as protective factors for anxiety and depression among stimulant-using MSM. The results identify positive mental health constructs as modifiable targets for intervention. Longitudinal research is needed to examine how structural conditions and multi-level factors affect MSM’s physical, mental, and behavioral health over time.
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Exploring The Role of Optimism on Mental Health and Behavioral Outcomes in Sexual Minority Men Who Use Stimulants: Moderating Effects of Positive Affect.
Objective: Sexual minority men (SMM) account for over two-thirds of new HIV infections in the United States. Minority stress is associated with multiple adverse physiological, physical, mental health, and behavioral outcomes. Guided by the Broaden and Build theory, the current study aims to examine whether optimism and positive affect (PA) are related to mental and behavioral health among stimulant-using MSM with HIV.
Methods: Cross-sectional data from 254 MSM with HIV reporting stimulant use, who participated in a broader longitudinal study, were analyzed. Study variables were measured using validated psychological instruments, self-report, and viral load. Multiple linear regression models were tested to examine direct effects and the moderation of Optimism PA via interaction. The models were adjusted for HIV diagnosis, age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, relationship status, and incarceration.
Results: Higher optimism and positive affect were associated with lower depression and anxiety symptoms. Optimism moderate vs. low OR=0.42 (95% CI 0.24–0.76), high vs. low OR=0.14 (0.05–0.39), PA OR=0.92 (0.86–0.98). ART adherence showed no significant statistical association with the predictors. Graduate-degree status was related to lower odds of undetectable viral load (β=−1.89, p=.026). Stimulant severity was higher for ages 66–80 vs. 18–35 and for multiracial vs. White participants.
Conclusion: Findings reveal optimism and PA as protective factors for anxiety and depression among stimulant-using MSM. The results identify positive mental health constructs as modifiable targets for intervention. Longitudinal research is needed to examine how structural conditions and multi-level factors affect MSM’s physical, mental, and behavioral health over time.
