Examining Coming Out, Loneliness, and Self-esteem as Predictors of Sexual Compulsivity in Gay and Bisexual Men

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of loneliness, self-esteem, disclosure of sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics on sexual compulsivity. Using data from 305 gay and bisexual men, results indicated not coming out to one's mother was significantly associated with higher sexual compulsivity scores. Self-esteem was significantly associated with current HIV serostatus and date of last HIV test. Stepwise regression analyses suggest loneliness, self-esteem, and non-disclosure of sexual orientation to one's mother have the capacity to predict sexual compulsivity among gay and bisexual men. Based on these results, counseling and sexual health practice implications are presented.