Suchergebnisse

AbstractThe present study investigates differences between gay and heterosexual Italian men regarding both social networking behaviors and addiction. Furthermore, it explores the possible mediation effects of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, fear of missing out, and physical appearance on social networking behaviors and addiction. A total of 586 Italian men (334 gay and 252 heterosexual) were recruited with snowball sampling, and they completed an online questionnaire. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups, with men who identify themselves as gay having higher levels of social networking addiction, narcissism, fear of missing out, and the importance of one's appearance. A direct effect of sexual orientation on social networking behaviors and addiction can be seen, which is only partially mediated by the variables posed as mediators.

Several studies have shown that internalized homophobia is a risk factor for mental health illness in homosexual individuals, whereas the perception of social support is a protective factor for their psychological well-being. In line with those studies, the present research has investigated the levels of internalized homophobia, anxiety, depression and social support, among two groups of gay men and lesbian individuals living in two European countries (N = 194: 86 Italian and 108 Belgian), where legislations grant different civil rights to lesbian and gay individuals (LG). The main goal of this research has been to verify the possible differences between the two groups. Results showed some significant differences in terms of observed levels of internalized homophobia, which was higher in the Belgian gay men's group compared to the Italian one. Furthermore, path analysis emphasized the role of social support as a potential factor of mediation between internalized homophobia and mental health.