Introduction

Individual differences in attachment differentially predict dating motivations and behaviors among heterosexual individuals. Remarkably, little research has examined such topics in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

In a sample of 118 MSM, we examined whether individual differences in attachment were differentially associated with motivations for using Grindr, a widely used geosocial networking application (GSNA) among MSM, and whether these motivations, in turn, predicted problematic Grindr use and depression. Data were collected in 2019.

Results

Attachment anxiety was associated with use of Grindr for self-esteem enhancement; this motivation, in turn, predicted more problematic Grindr use and higher depression. Attachment anxiety was also associated with problematic Grindr use via use of Grindr for companionship purposes. Those higher in attachment avoidance reported using Grindr for escapism and due to the ease of communication it affords; these motivations, in turn, were associated with greater problematic Grindr use. There were also indirect effects of attachment avoidance on symptoms of depression via escapism.

Policy Implications

Results suggest that attachment insecurity is associated with maladaptive motivations for GSNA use, and these motivations may place MSM at greater risk for depression and problematic GSNA use. Implications for social policy and professional practice are discussed, including the importance of clinicians assessing for problematic patterns of GSNA use and the need for practitioner training to include a focus on the unique predictors of mental health and well-being among gender and sexual minorities.

中文翻译：

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与男人发生性关系的男人的地理社交网络应用程序使用：成人依恋的作用

介绍

依恋的个体差异差异预测异性恋个体之间的约会动机和行为。值得注意的是，很少有研究对与男性发生性关系的男性中的此类话题进行研究。

方法

在118名MSM的样本中，我们检查了依恋个体差异是否与使用Grindr（MSM中广泛使用的地理社交网络应用程序（GSNA））的动机有差异，并且这些动机是否反过来预示了Grindr使用和抑郁的问题。数据收集于2019年。

结果

依恋焦虑与使用Grindr增强自尊有关；反过来，这种动机预示着Grindr使用的问题会更多，抑郁症的发生率也会更高。通过将Grindr用于陪伴目的，依恋焦虑也与Grindr使用困难有关。那些避免依恋的人报告说使用Grindr逃避现实，并且由于它提供了便捷的交流；这些动机反过来又与使用Grindr时出现更多问题有关。避免依恋对逃避抑郁的症状也有间接影响。

政策含义

结果表明，依恋不安全感与使用GSNA的不良适应动机有关，这些动机可能会使MSM患抑郁症和使用GSNA困难的风险更大。讨论了对社会政策和专业实践的影响，包括临床医生评估GSNA使用问题模式的重要性，以及对从业人员进行培训的必要性，以侧重于性别和性少数群体心理健康和福祉的独特预测因素。