Jeffrey T Parsons
Biographic Data
| ID | 102471 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Jeffrey T Parsons |
| GIVEN NAMES | Jeffrey T |
| FAMILY NAME | Parsons |
| SIGNATURE | PARSONS J T |
| AFFILIATIONS | The Graduate Center, CUNY |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-6875-7566 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 184 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 795 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 184 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1998 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 15 |
A Legacy for the Kids? The Impact of Sexual Orientation on Pension Investment Motives in the UK
Sexual orientation's impact on retirement savings has rarely been examined. Three studies of UK pension savers found that actual pension savings (Study 1) and estimated pension savings (Study 2 and 3) did not differ by sexual orientation. Among a UK pension savings company's customers (Study 2, N = 1043) and users of Prolific (Study 3, N = 275) motives to save were mostly endorsed similarly by sexual orientation, with one exception. Straight male…
Treatment effects and adherence of sexually compulsive men in a randomized controlled trial of psychotherapy and medication
The importance of domain-specific self-efficacy assessment for substance use and HIV care continuum outcomes among adults in an urban HIV clinic network
Despite the prominence of self-efficacy as a predictor of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, relatively little work has examined domain-specific associations with steps in the care continuum or the possibility that substance use may have domain-specific associations with self-efficacy. This study analyzed data from a sample of 174 people living with HIV recruited through three clinics in the New York City metro area. Consistent with hypothes…
Stress-Related Growth Among Transgender Women
Although transgender women (TGW), and especially TGW of color, are disproportionately exposed to discrimination and violence, many of them experience stress-related growth. However, little is known about the experience of stress-related growth and its correlates among TGW. Using data from a racially-diverse sample of 210 TGW, the short version of the Stress-Related Growth Scale was modified to assess growth as a result of coming to terms with one…
Sexual Subcultures and HIV Prevention Methods
Effectiveness of a Combined Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Substance Use and Improve HIV-Related Immune Functioning
Biomedical HIV Prevention among Gay Male Couples
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are highly efficacious biomedical prevention strategies, which significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Yet, partnered sexual minority men (SMM) continue to exhibit poorer uptake rates especially those in a non-monogamous or serodiscordant relationship for whom PrEP is recommended. The purpose of the study was to identify factors that may facilitate or impede the uptake…
The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress in the Association between Harassment and Alcohol Use among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Military Personnel
Background The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of psychological distress on the associations between two forms of harassment, military sexual trauma (MST) and sexual orientation-based discrimination (SOBD), and alcohol use in a sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) military personnel. Methods: Data were analyzed from 254 LGB military service members in the United States. Bivariate associations were examined between MS…
Spirituality and multiple dimensions of religion are associated with mental health in gay and bisexual men
< .05) and social support (p < .05). The interaction of spirituality with religion was significantly associated with all mental health variables. In general, religious GBM with higher levels of spirituality had better mental health outcomes. Spirituality was significantly positively associated with positive mental health outcomes and negatively associated with negative ones. Religion-solely expressed through behaviors and lacking the functional c…
A Pilot Randomized Trial of Intervention Components Addressing Drug Use in Couples HIV Testing and Counseling (CHTC) with Male Couples
Evaluation of Sex Positive! A Video eHealth Intervention for Men Living with HIV
Exploring Potential Implementation Barriers and Facilitators of the SMART Program
The Impact of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use on Sexual Anxiety, Satisfaction, and Esteem Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Gay and bisexual men (GBM) with heightened fears of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition have reported high levels of sexual anxiety and low sexual self-esteem. Similarly, sexual satisfaction has been reported to be lower among some GBM who rely solely on condom use as HIV prevention. We sought to explore whether pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) had an impact on the sexual satisfaction, anxiety, and esteem of GBM. As part of a longitudin…
Attachment as a Predictor of Psychological and Sexual Wellbeing Among Transgender Women in New York City
Transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience high rates of depression and anxiety. The importance of secure attachment in buffering against negative sexual and mental health outcomes is well established. However, few studies have examined attachment among transgender women. We recruited a community-based convenience sample of 213 transgender women in New York City ( M age = 34.3; SD = 11.7). The majority were women of c…
The effects of intersecting stigma
OBJECTIVE: Although Black, Latino, and multiracial gay and bisexual men (GBM) are disproportionately affected by health inequities facing GBM more broadly in the United States (CDC, 2017), there is a dearth of research examining how intersectional stigma affects psychological and behavioral outcomes such as depressive and anxiety symptoms and substance use. Based in minority stress and intersectionality theories, this study examined the main and …
Sexual risk taking and the HIV care continuum in an online sample of men who have sex with men
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) suppresses HIV replication, reducing the risk of transmission. However, many people living with HIV in the US are not virally suppressed even after diagnosis and initiating ART, and may become disengaged from care at each stage of the HIV care continuum (HCC). In the current study we assessed the sexual risk behaviors of MSM by HCC stage. US MSM who completed an online survey (N = 12,995) in 2015 were categorized into…
What is the role of the community? Examining minority stress processes among gay and bisexual men
Gay and bisexual men suffer from higher rates of mental health disorders than their heterosexual counterparts. Minority stress theory provides the framework for much research that seeks to explain this discrepancy. Recently, several studies have also examined the role of connection with the gay community with mixed results. Operationalizing gay community connectedness in terms of two separate constructs-community involvement and community identif…
Perceived Social Norms About Oral PrEP Use
Syndemic Conditions, HIV Transmission Risk Behavior, and Transactional Sex Among Transgender Women
Drug Use and HIV Prevention With Young Gay and Bisexual Men
Testing the Efficacy of Combined Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Skills Training to Reduce Methamphetamine Use and Improve HIV Medication Adherence Among HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexu…
Preferences for Sexual Health Smartphone App Features Among Gay and Bisexual Men
What’s Sleep Got to Do with It
Prevalence of and Factors Associated with the Use of HIV Serosorting and Other Biomedical Prevention Strategies Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in a US Nationwide Survey
Why I Quit Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)? A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Reasons for PrEP Discontinuation and Potential Re-initiation Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Race, ethnicity, gender, and generational factors associated with the coming‐out process among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals
Age at coming out among gay/lesbian/bisexual (GLB) persons and sexual debut with same-gendered partners has typically been investigated in samples that do not reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of these communities. Addressing this limitation, data were collected from a diverse sample of men and women attending large-scale GLB community events in New York and Los Angeles in 2003 (N = 2,733). Compared to older cohorts, younger cohorts (18-24 …
Gender Minority Social Stress in Adolescence
Bullying and substance use represent serious public health issues facing adolescents in the United States. Few large-sample national studies have examined differences in these indicators by gender identity. The Teen Health and Technology Study (N = 5,542) sampled adolescents ages 13 to 18 years old online. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models investigated disparities in substance use and tested a gender minority social stress hypothe…
Sexual Compulsivity, Co-Occurring Psychosocial Health Problems, and HIV Risk Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Objectives. We evaluated whether sexual compulsivity fits into a syndemic framework, in which sexual compulsivity is one of a number of co-occurring psychosocial health problems that increase HIV risk among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. In 2003 and 2004, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of MSM in New York City (n = 669) by approaching attendees at gay, lesbian, and bisexual community events. We analyzed data by bivaria…
Stigma, Concealment and Symptoms of Depression as Explanations for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Gay Men
This study examined how perceived sociocultural factors influenced the relationship between psychosocial variables and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay men. A cross-sectional brief street-intercept survey was administered to 594 gay men. Analyses examined how well stigma, concealment and symptoms of depression explained variation in participants' histories of STIs. Results suggested that concealment partially mediated the relation…
Recreational Drug Use and HIV-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Men Frequenting Gay Social Venues
The complex relationships between recreational non-injection drug use and HIV sexual risk behaviors have been documented throughout the epidemic. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the extent of non-injection recreational drug use among gay and bisexual men frequenting gay social venues, as well as to assess recent initiation of substance use, especially “club drugs” and (2) document the interaction between drug use and risky sexual prac…
Alternatives to Monogamy Among Gay Male Couples in a Community Survey
Barebacking Among Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City
A Double Epidemic
Emerging research on methamphetamine use among gay men suggests that growth in the use of this drug could present serious problems for HIV/AIDS prevention within the gay community. This article summarizes current studies on the extent, role, and context of methamphetamine use among gay men and its relationship to high risk sexual behaviors related to HIV transmission. Methamphetamine is often used by gay men to initiate, enhance, and prolong sexu…
The Role of Religiosity, Social Support, and Stress-related Growth in Protecting Against HIV Risk among Transgender Women
Transgender women completed questionnaires of religiosity, social support, stigma, stress-related growth, and sexual risk behavior. In a multivariate model, both social support and religious stress-related growth were significant negative predictors of unprotected anal sex, but religious behaviors and beliefs emerged as a significant positive predictor. The interaction between religious behaviors and beliefs and social support was also significan…
Looking Beyond HIV
In evaluating the needs of male sex workers (MSWs), past research and community-based outreach efforts have assumed they should receive counseling and be educated regarding drug abuse and HIV/STI prevention. These assumptions have been based upon studies that predominantly sampled heterosexually identified men who work on the street as 'hustlers.' The purpose of this study was to set aside previous assumptions, and elicit directly from MSWs their…
Sex and the community
Gay neighbourhoods have historically served as vital places for gay socialising, and gay social networks are important sources of social support. Yet, few studies have examined the influence of these forms of community on sexual health. Informed by theoretical frameworks on neighbourhoods and networks, we employ multi-level modelling to test hypotheses concerning whether gay neighbourhoods and social network factors are associated with five sexua…
Community and Drug Use among Gay Men
Gay neighborhoods serve as vital places for gay men's socializing, yet few studies have examined their contributions to gay men's health-either directly or indirectly via residents' social networks. Drawing from theoretical perspectives on community and networks, we test hypotheses concerning whether gay neighborhoods and social network factors are associated with patterns of recent illicit drug use among a sample of 740 urban gay men from New Yo…
Sexual Compulsivity and Sexual Risk in Gay and Bisexual Men
The Association Between Penis Size and Sexual Health Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Distinguishing hypothetical willingness from behavioral intentions to initiate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Association Between Socioeconomic Position Discrimination and Psychological Distress
In this sample, SEP emerged as the most important domain of discrimination in its association with mental health distress. Future research should consider intersecting domains of discrimination to better understand social disparities in mental health
Contextualizing condom use
Intimate relationships have received increasing attention as a context for HIV transmission. We examined the relationships among perceptions that condoms interfere with intimacy, gay-related stigma, and unprotected/protected anal intercourse. Participants included 245 single-identified men who have sex with men. Intimacy Interference was positively associated with number of unprotected anal intercourse acts, and this effect was stronger among par…
Explanations for the Origins of Sexual Compulsivity Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Examination of Social Contact on Binegativity Among Lesbians and Gay Men
This study, which employed the use of cross-sectional intercept survey method research, explored the effects of social contact on measures of binegativity. Based upon previous research about social contact with stigmatized groups, the authors explored the impact of various types of social contact (e.g., dating, socializing, friendship, sex) on binegativity among lesbians and gay men. A convenience sample of 1,382 participants from two lesbian, ga…
Sexual Compulsivity and Sexual Behaviors Among Gay and Bisexual Men and Lesbian and Bisexual Women
Within the existing body of research, the information pertaining to sexual compulsivity (SC) among women, both homo- and heterosexual, remains rather limited in comparison to men. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SC in a community sample of gay and bisexual men and lesbian and bisexual women and to identify differences in sexual practices based on classification as sexually compulsive within gender. Supporting previous resear…
Behind Closed Doors
This study of 347 urban, self-identified lesbian (n = 289) and bisexual (n = 58) women examined women's engaging in 4 kinky sexual behaviors: bondage/domination, sadomasochism, photo/video exhibitionism, and asphyxiation/breath play. A cross-sectional, brief-intercept survey was administered at 2 New York City gay, lesbian, and bisexual community events. Over 40% reported engaging in at least 1 of these behaviors, and 25% reported engaging in mul…
The impact of alcohol use on the sexual scripts of HIV‐positive men who have sex with men
The literature on alcohol use has failed to form a consensus on the association between alcohol use and unsafe sex among samples of men who have sex with men (MSM). Although drinking behavior may not be causally related to unsafe sex, it is possible that alcohol use plays a role in sexual scripts. In this paper, we assessed the role that alcohol use plays in the sexual experiences of HIV-seropositive MSM in terms of sexual script theory. An ethni…
Sexual Behaviors of Non-gay Identified Non-disclosing Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women
Internalized Homophobia and Drug Use in a National Cohort of Gay and Bisexual Men
Symbolic boundaries, subcultural capital and prescription drug misuse across youth cultures
Prescription drug misuse among young adults has surged over the past decade. Yet the contexts surrounding this misuse remain unclear, particularly the subcultural contexts. Many young urban adults participate in youth cultures. This article describes the subcultural contexts of prescription drug misuse in youth subcultures. Drawing on ethnographic data collected over 12 months from different youth cultural scenes, the authors describe the subcult…
Determinants of HIV Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Female Partners of Men with Hemophilia and HIV Infection
Determinants of Safer Sexual Behavior in a Long-term HIV-seropositive Population
Determinants of safer sexual behaviors among HIV-infected adult men with hemophilia were examined. A model was proposed that personal adjustment, communication skills, self-efficacy, and perceived advantages of condom use would influence safer sex practices. The model was tested with 181 men with hemophilia and HIV infection from 27 hemophilia treatment centers across the United States. The hypothesized model was tested using LISREL and explained…
Perceptions of the benefits and costs associated with condom use and unprotected sex among late adolescent college students
Substance use and sexual transmission risk behavior of HIV-positive men who have sex with men
A Double Epidemic
Emerging research on methamphetamine use among gay men suggests that growth in the use of this drug could present serious problems for HIV/AIDS prevention within the gay community. This article summarizes current studies on the extent, role, and context of methamphetamine use among gay men and its relationship to high risk sexual behaviors related to HIV transmission. Methamphetamine is often used by gay men to initiate, enhance, and prolong sexu…
Sexual and drug-using practices of HIV-positive men who frequent public and commercial sex environments
An ethnically diverse sample (69.7% men of colour) of HIV-seropositive MSM from the New York City and San Francisco metropolitan areas were recruited from a variety of social settings. While only 27.0% of the participants were recruited from PSEs (public sex environments where men 'cruise' for potential sex partners, such as parks) and CSEs (commercial sex environments where an admission is paid for entrance, such as bathhouses and sex clubs), 49…
Recreational Drug Use and HIV-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Men Frequenting Gay Social Venues
The complex relationships between recreational non-injection drug use and HIV sexual risk behaviors have been documented throughout the epidemic. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the extent of non-injection recreational drug use among gay and bisexual men frequenting gay social venues, as well as to assess recent initiation of substance use, especially “club drugs” and (2) document the interaction between drug use and risky sexual prac…
Correlates of Sexual Risk Behaviors among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men
This study examines correlates of unprotected sexual risk practices of an ethnically diverse sample of HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men (MSM) from the New York City and San Francisco metropolitan areas. Participants completed a self-report survey that assessed sexual risk behaviors and potential correlates. A total of 367 men reported sex with a casual male partner in the previous 3 months. Participants were divided into three groups ba…
Characteristics of HIV antiretroviral treatments, access and adherence in an ethnically diverse sample of men who have sex with men
Data regarding HIV antiretroviral treatment regimens, access to treatment and medical care, and adherence to medications were collected as part of the Seropositive Urban Men's Study, a formative study of HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Participants (N = 456) were recruited from AIDS service organizations, mainstream gay venues and public/commercial sex environments. The sample was 94% gay or bisexually-identified; 29% were African America…
Intentional unsafe sex (barebacking) among HIV-positive gay men who seek sexual partners on the Internet
While unsafe sex has been reported throughout the HIV epidemic, the underlying assumption has been that most persons do not seek to purposely ham unprotected sex. Within the gay community, the term 'barebacking' has emerged to refer to intentional unsafe anal sex. The prevalence of barebacking is evidenced among gay men, particularly those who are HIV-positive, by the number of internet sites devoted to barebacking and the number of men seeking s…
Self-Perceived Responsibility of HIV-Seropositive Men Who Have Sex with Men for Preventing HIV Transmission
Barebacking Among Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City
The Experience of Stigma in the Lives of Male Internet Escorts
Gay and bisexual male escorts operate at the intersection of two major cultural taboos: engaging in homosexual activity and prostitution. Unfortunately, some past research has served to further the stigma against these men, labeling male sex workers as ‘deviant.’ The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which male escorts experience and cope with work-related stigma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 gay and bisexual m…
The use of the Internet by gay and bisexual male escorts
While prior studies have targeted street-based male sex workers as potential vectors of disease transmission, the number of men who work independently through Internet chat-rooms and other online endeavors has steadily increased. It is likely that these men differ substantially from their street-based counterparts in terms of sexual risk behaviors with their clients. The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which the Internet has impa…
The impact of alcohol use on the sexual scripts of HIV‐positive men who have sex with men
The literature on alcohol use has failed to form a consensus on the association between alcohol use and unsafe sex among samples of men who have sex with men (MSM). Although drinking behavior may not be causally related to unsafe sex, it is possible that alcohol use plays a role in sexual scripts. In this paper, we assessed the role that alcohol use plays in the sexual experiences of HIV-seropositive MSM in terms of sexual script theory. An ethni…
Sexual harm reduction practices of HIV-seropositive gay and bisexual men
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed unprotected anal and oral sex behaviors of HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in New York City and San Francisco with their main and non-main sexual partners. Here we focus on the use of three harm reduction strategies (serosorting, strategic positioning, and withdrawal before ejaculation) in order to decrease transmission risk. METHOD: The data from a baseline assessment of 1168 HIV-positive gay and bisexual men in …
Motivating the unmotivated
Barebacking among internet based male sex workers
Partner Awareness of the Serostatus of HIV-Seropositive Men Who Have Sex With Men
Sexual Risk Behaviors and Substance Use Among Alcohol Abusing HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men
An ethnically diverse sample (79.0% men of color) of HIV seropositive (HIV+) men who have sex with men (MSM) with alcohol use disorders from the New York City metropolitan area was recruited from a variety of settings frequented by such men. Data were collected using quantitative assessments and calendar based techniques at the baseline assessment of a longitudinal study assessing the relationship between alcohol and substance use and sexual risk…
Experiencing release
There are nonsexual reasons that may motivate people to seek out sexual activity with others. Some men who have sex with men may seek out sex environments to engage in sexual behavior. Among the nonsexual reasons that exist for men who have sex with men is a desire to escape from distressing thoughts and feelings. The amplified sexuality and other unique characteristics of sex environments allow men to have more intense emotional experiences arou…
Is HIV/Aids Stigma Dividing the Gay Community? Perceptions of HIV–positive Men Who Have Sex With Men
Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has existed since the beginning of the epidemic, but little is known about HIV/AIDS stigma within the gay community and how it affects men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. A better understanding of the effects of stigma on this population is needed to reduce it and its harmful effects. Our study used quantitative data from 206 HIV-positive MSM and qualitative data from 250 to document beliefs about HIV/AIDS…
Transtheoretical Model and substance use in HIV-positive youth
The purpose of the study was to test constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for predicting alcohol and other drug use in HIV-positive youth (ages 16-25). Questionnaires and interviews about alcohol and other drug use, stage of change, self-efficacy, emotional distress and social support were obtained from 64 HIV-positive youth. Structural equation modeling with standard errors determined by methods appropriate to small samples, demonstrat…
Club drug use and risky sex among gay and bisexual men in New York city
Examining the role of partner status in an HIV prevention trial targeting HIV-positive gay and bisexual men
Psychology (164 works) · Medicine (152 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (121 works) · Clinical Psychology (100 works) · Men who have sex with men (98 works) · Psychiatry (93 works) · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV (81 works) · Social Psychology (81 works) · Demography (79 works) · Family medicine (79 works)