Assessing Stressor Exposure and Adjustment Disorder in a Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men

BackgroundEvidence suggests that men who have sex with men 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.MethodsThe present study aimed to validate a novel screening tool for Adjustment Disorder (AjD) in this population using Confirmatory Factor Analysis; The structure of the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) was assessed in a sample of men who have sex with men (n = 376). Association between screening diagnostic status, stressor exposure, and chemsex participation was assessed using between-groups analysis.ResultsFactor analyses suggested a unidimensional model representing a single AjD latent factor best fit these data. Symptomology was commonly reported in this sample, and diagnostic screening suggested that 36.44% met inclusion criteria for AjD. Small effect sizes were found in association between AjD screening status, Chemsex participation, and a range of stressors (Financial, Work, Housing, Personal Health, and Relationship problems). A medium effect size was found in association between multiple stressor experience and AjD diagnostic screening status.ConclusionsFindings support use of the IADQ as a brief measure of AjD among men who have sex with men. Various stressful life experiences and chemsex participation may constitute risk factors for AjD. The experience of multiple stressor types may be a particular risk factor for AjD in this group. Screening for stressful life experiences, chemsex practice, and AjD may identify those at risk for adverse health and wellbeing outcomes in this group.