Differences in Risky Sexual Behaviour According to Sexual Orientation and Minority Stress in Dutch Male Adolescents A Cross-sectional Study of the Mediating Role of Early Sexual Debut and Sexual Self-esteem

Abstract

Homosexual boys are known to be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases through sexual risk behaviour (SRB) (e.g. condomless sex, casual sex). However, little is known about the specifics of this relationship. This cross-sectional study advances the understanding of SRB by examining whether sexual self-esteem (SSE) and early sexual debut (ESD) mediate the effect of sexual orientation on male adolescent SRB. Additionally, this study tests whether minority stress predicts SRB among male homosexuals. Data from 2,107 male adolescents (16 to 25 years old) who were enrolled in the study ‘Sex under 25’ (2012) were used. The results revealed that homosexuals used condoms more often, but at the same time reported more casual sex than heterosexuals. However, homosexuals and heterosexuals did not differ in their age of sexual initiation, and this was therefore not an explanation for this difference. Homosexuals’ lower SSE was in turn associated with somewhat higher condom use, but not with casual sex. Homosexuals’ level of minority stress was low (M = 2.2) and did not predict SRB. These results demonstrate that homosexuals do not always engage in more SRB. Researchers should invest in more reliable concepts of SRB that fit all sexual orientations and sexes.