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Population-Specific Correlates of Sexual Arrangements and Communication in a National Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men

  • Special Section: Consensual Non-Monogamy
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Abstract

While the literature on sexual arrangements has expanded considerably, less is known about sexual arrangements among ethnically diverse populations, particularly Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Relationship research may overlook culturally salient correlates (e.g., ideals of masculinity or immigration-related factors) of sexual arrangements. The current study explored relationship-related factors (i.e., sexual arrangements, sexual communication, and relationship functioning) as well as Latino-specific factors, including dominant cultural views of masculinity (machismo/caballerismo) and immigration among partnered LSMM. Participants were recruited nationwide through social media and geo-location dating apps. All participants were aged 18 or older, cisgender male, lived in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, were able to read in either English or Spanish, and indicated they were currently in a relationship with a cismale partner. Multinomial regression was used to calculate the odds of being in an open or monogamish arrangement relative to a monogamous arrangement. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to examine factors related to sexual communication. Language spoken with partner, adherence to more general heteronormative beliefs (genderism), and substance use were associated with specific sexual arrangement groups. The findings also suggested that birthplace, language spoken with partner variables, and machismo were associated with specific sexual arrangements and with sexual communication. This study highlights that factors associated with sexual arrangements and sexual communication may be population specific. The current study points to a complex interplay between culturally relevant ideals of masculinity and sexual arrangements as well as sexual communication among partnered Latinx sexual minority men.

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Funding

This study was funded by a Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (R01DA045613-01S).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Rutgers University, 390 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA

    Gabriel Robles

  2. Doctoral Program in Health Psychology and Clinical Science, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA

    Stephen C. Bosco & Tyrel J. Starks

  3. Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College of Columbia University, New York, New York, NY, USA

    Daniel Sauermilch

  4. Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA

    Tyrel J. Starks

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  1. Gabriel Robles
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  2. Stephen C. Bosco
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Correspondence to Gabriel Robles.

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Robles, G., Bosco, S.C., Sauermilch, D. et al. Population-Specific Correlates of Sexual Arrangements and Communication in a National Sample of Latinx Sexual Minority Men. Arch Sex Behav 50, 1449–1460 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02009-5

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