Robinson Martin, Levin Yafit, Bachem Rachel, Badran Nadia, Papageorgiou Kostas, Fino Emanuele
Research Centre for Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Department of Social Work and Education, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2025 Dec;16(1):2519857. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2025.2519857. Epub 2025 Jul 2.
Evidence suggests that men who have sex with men (MSM) experience heightened risk for stressor-related mental health issues. This may be exacerbated among those who engage in chemsex; recreational substance use during sex. Valid assessment of adjustment difficulties, and risk factors associated with these, is needed to better understand these wellbeing risks. The present study aimed to validate a novel screening tool for Adjustment Disorder (AjD) in this population. A sample of MSM ( = 503) completed an online survey of stressful life experiences. Among those who reported exposure to a stressor ( = 376), the factorial structure of the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Probable diagnostic status was assessed using established criteria. Associations with stressor exposure and chemsex participation were examined using between-group comparisons. A unidimensional model representing a single latent AjD factor best fit these data. AjD symptomatology was commonly reported, with screening results indicating that 36.44% of participants met criteria for a probable AjD diagnosis. Small effect sizes were found for associations between positive AjD screening status, chemsex participation, and a range of stressors including problems related to health, relationships, finances, work, and housing. A medium effect size was found for the association between multiple stressor exposure and probable AjD diagnosis. Findings support the use of the IADQ as a brief and valid measure of AjD among men who have sex with men. Various stressful life experiences and chemsex participation may constitute risk factors for AjD, with exposure to multiple stressor types representing a particularly salient risk factor. Screening for stressful life experiences, chemsex practice, and AjD may identify those at risk for adverse health and wellbeing outcomes in this population.
有证据表明，男男性行为者（MSM）面临与应激源相关的心理健康问题的风险更高。在那些进行性伴间化学物质使用（chemsex）的人群中，这种情况可能会加剧；chemsex指性行为期间使用消遣性药物。为了更好地理解这些健康风险，需要对适应困难以及与之相关的风险因素进行有效评估。本研究旨在验证一种针对该人群的新型适应障碍（AjD）筛查工具。一个男男性行为者样本（n = 503）完成了一项关于应激性生活经历的在线调查。在那些报告暴露于应激源的人群中（n = 376），使用验证性因子分析评估了国际适应障碍问卷（IADQ）的因子结构。使用既定标准评估可能的诊断状态。通过组间比较研究了与应激源暴露和chemsex参与之间的关联。一个代表单一潜在AjD因子的单维模型最适合这些数据。AjD症状普遍存在，筛查结果表明36.44%的参与者符合可能的AjD诊断标准。在阳性AjD筛查状态、chemsex参与以及一系列应激源（包括与健康、人际关系、财务、工作和住房相关的问题）之间的关联中发现了小效应量。在多重应激源暴露与可能的AjD诊断之间的关联中发现了中等效应量。研究结果支持将IADQ用作男男性行为者中AjD的一种简短且有效的测量工具。各种应激性生活经历和chemsex参与可能构成AjD的风险因素，暴露于多种应激源类型是一个特别突出的风险因素。筛查应激性生活经历、chemsex行为和AjD可能会识别出该人群中面临不良健康和幸福结局风险的个体。
