Network Characteristics of a Social Support Organization for Gay Men in Southern California

Date

2011

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work

Abstract

Gay men are at risk for a range of negative health and mental health issues, including HIV and depression. The extant literature demonstrates the integral role that social support can play in improving health and well-being among gay men, yet little empirical evidence exists to document the supportive social networks of gay men. The present study sought to understand the network structure of a social support organization for gay men in Southern California. Cross-sectional data collection was conducted online using name generator- and roster-based surveys. Participants were asked their age, organizational tenure, level of organizational involvement, and whether or not they had attended that year’s organizational retreat. Thirty-nine men participated in the study (response rate: 87%). The overall density of the social network was 26.57%; the social network had a high degree of centralization (51.86%) and an average path length of three, indicating a cohesive and well-integrated social network. Social network structure was correlated with age (r = 0.109, p = 0.006), organizational tenure (r = 0.188, p = 0.000), organizational involvement (r = 0.130, p = 0.002), and retreat attendance (r = 0.216, p = 0.000). Results demonstrate the connectedness of members of the social support organization examined in the present study and the utility of empirically examining social support network structures of gay men. Strengths-based intervention strategies that capitalize on social support network structures may be helpful in buffering negative health outcomes for gay men.

Description

Keywords

Ian Holloway, Perspectives on Social Work, HIV, AIDS, Social work, Perspectives on Social Work, HIV, AIDS

Citation