PHD, Kent State University, 2007, College of Education, Health, and Human Services / Department of Adult, Counseling, Health and Vocational Education

Within the broad and multidisciplinary field of men's studies, the exploration of men's issues in counseling is one focus. The purpose of this study was to begin to develop a new model for understanding men's issues in counseling which included increased recognition of diversity, consideration of both internal and external influences, and the concept of multiple masculinities. Participants in the study included 6 African-American and 6 Caucasian men between the ages of 19 and 92 years and representing both low and high incomes. The researcher interviewed each of the men 3 times in a process of theory development based on the Grounded Theory Method proposed by Corbin and Strauss (1990). Results of the study included the development of a new model for conceptualizing men's issues in counseling. According to this grounded model, men are adaptable in their expression of masculinities. Masculinities are defined by flexible adaptations of the masculine self over time and within multiple contexts. The range of potential adaptation of a man's masculinities is based on exposure to multiple models of masculinity and intrapsychic factors. The flexibility of adaptability in a given situation is tempered by perceived responsibility for others. Additional findings are also discussed. The experiences of African-American participants pointed to the importance of religion and suggested coping skills that have developed in response to racial discrimination, including maintaining a cautious stance and going around dangerous situations. The experiences of all participants suggested the value of the interview process for raising gender consciousness and personal awareness. Finally, the men in the study suggested that they maintain some deep connections with other men through straight talk and teasing. Implications of the model include the importance of research focus on the process of enacting masculinity, inclusion of men's issues within the framework of multicultural competency in cou (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2005, Graduate School

Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, 2014, Educational Leadership

The lives of college students who are HIV positive in the United States have received little attention. This study addressed this lack by inquiring into the self-cultivation and institutional experiences of gay college men living with HIV. Informed by AIDS activism and queer theory, I used narrative and arts-based methods to explore participants' self-cultivation I placed particular focus on participants' discourse given that American sociopolitical discourse associates HIV/AIDS with gay men. I conducted over sixty hours of in-depth interviews with nine gay college men of various ages, races, geographic locations, and institutional settings. Six of the nine participants created artwork to express their relationship to HIV/AIDS. Using poststructural narrative analysis, the major findings of this study include: higher educational silence about HIV/AIDS; an affective structure to participants' discourse; and an askesis of shame. Most participants encountered a silence or lack of discourse around HIV/AIDS in their institutions. Institutional silence complicated participants' ability to discern whether to seek support or to disclose their HIV status on campus. Although participants called upon distinct discourses, they shared a common affective structure. Having an affective structure means that these men represented and discussed HIV/AIDS as driving the way they live, although differently at different times and with various intensities determined by different events, objects and people. Like affect, their relationship with HIV varied, often unpredictably, except for its constant presence. While these men felt differently about having HIV, I describe their common affective structure as an askesis of shame. Askesis, or self-cultivation, is a response to social contempt for gay men with HIV/AIDS and homonormative discourses of compulsory happiness. Shame is an affect involving investment in the self and others along with covering discredited aspect (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 1924, Graduate School

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 1986, Graduate School

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, 2024, Psychology

Asian American men may have body image concerns related to masculinity expectations, attraction ideals, negative body image, and drive for Western masculinity (Liao et al., 2020). Adherence to masculine norms may be rooted in expectations, cultural norms, and gender roles emphasized in Asian households (Ai et al., 2021; Chang & Subramaniam, 2008; Kramer et al., 2002; Lipson et al., 1996; Liu & Iwamoto, 2006). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between conformity to Western masculinity norms, body dissatisfaction, and depression among Asian and Asian American men. Data were collected from 150 Asian and Asian-American men living in the United States (M age = 32.03 years, SD = 9.40; range = 18 to 64 years). Participants identified their ethnic background as Chinese (28.7%), followed by Korean (14.0%), Vietnamese (13.3%), Indian (12.7%), Filipino (12.0%), Multiethnic (8.7%), Japanese (4.0%), Other (4.0%), Bangladeshi (2.0%), and Lao (0.7%). Results indicated that conformity to the Winning and Violence masculinity norms were not significantly correlated with depression, whereas conformity to the Playboy and Self-Reliance masculinity norms were significantly positively correlated with depression. Despite winning masculine norm conformity not being related to depression, the results of this study indicated that male body dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between Winning masculine norm conformity and depression. Potential explanations and implications of this study are discussed, and directions for future research are presented.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

Introduction: African American, gay, cisgender men (AAGM) experience unique forms of minority stress which are associated with psychosocial pressure to engage in behaviors which they believe may reduce their exposure to negative evaluations, discrimination, and violence. However, behavioral management of stigma-related stressors has not been operationalized or measured in an intersectional manner. Cultural Consensus Modeling (CCM) is a rigorous, mixed-methodological, multiphase approach to develop a bottom-up, culturally-informed understanding of a set of behaviors shared by a cultural group. Thus, this study sought to elucidate intersectional identity management behaviors among AAGM using Phase 1 free listing data. Method: Participants were 50 AAGM (Mage = 27.9) who completed Phase 1 of a CCM study. Participants identified intersectional identity management behaviors common among similar peers using a free listing format, and responses were submitted to thematic content analyses. Results: There were 137 total valid response items, and the majority of responses (51.82%) were framed in an intersectional manner. Three major themes related to the interpersonal interaction target emerged and there were 15 sub-themes which varied in content, range, and valence. Conclusions: Responses highlighted within group heterogeneity among AAGM's behavioral management strategies and provided preliminary evidence in support of the CCM methodology to inform the development of theory and a novel measurement tool to examine intersectional identity management in this population.

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2020, Counseling Psychology

Traditional masculinity ideology and conformity to specific masculine norms have been associated with dozens of negative outcomes, including increased depression, violent behavior, and low esteem (O'Neil, 2012). Gender conceptions can also be positively constructed in men to resist traditional masculine norms (Smiler, 2014; Way et al., 2014). Meanwhile, hundreds of studies have linked religion and spirituality to positive outcomes, including increased life satisfaction and life expectancy (Plante & Thoresen, 2012), but few studies have examined masculinity and religiousness or spirituality (Ward & Cook, 2011). The current study examined how Catholic men's religious identities interact with their conceptions of gender and masculinities. In this mixed qualitative study using grounded theory and content analysis, a mixed theoretical and methodological framework was used to investigate what it means to be a Catholic man. Participants were 12 cisgender, middle class, heterosexual, emerging adult, Roman Catholic men from Northeast Ohio and were given questionnaires (e.g., the Inventory of Subjective Masculinity Experiences) and semi-structured interviews. Results illuminate how religious identities and gender conceptions interact to construct self-conceptions similar to and different from how masculine norms have been previously operationalized in the literature. Emerging categories included patterns of responses related to self-improvement, selflessness, and leadership. Implications for theory, health, and practice are discussed including how Catholic men's constructions of what it means to be a man may be related to health and well-being outcomes.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Genetic Counseling

Transgender individuals face significant healthcare disparities due to discrimination, which include reluctance to disclose, lack of provider experience and resources, structural barriers, and financial barriers. No consensus guidelines have been developed for breast cancer risk assessment and screening in transgender male patients. Breast health can be a difficult topic for transgender men, as it brings them into female centered spaces and can lead to experiences of gender dysphoria. This research aims to elucidate barriers to breast cancer screening and genetic risk evaluation for transmasculine individuals. Research questions aimed to determine what the level of awareness transgender men have about breast cancer risk and screening, and the factors that lead to positive or distressing conversations about breast health with these patients. We aim to determine how healthcare providers can foster a safe and affirming environment that increases comfort and reduces perceptions of discrimination and gender related dysphoria with a focus on genetic counseling for hereditary breast cancer risk assessment. Recommendations are made for improving the clinical experiences of these individuals including using mirroring an individual's terminology for their anatomy, providing gender affirming patient resources, addressing the gendered cultural discussion around breast cancer, using correct name and pronouns, and acknowledging the topic as potentially difficult.

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2019, Medicine: Biostatistics (Environmental Health)

In Ghana, men who have sex with men (MSM) are 15 times more likely to live with HIV compared to the general adult population, and rates of engagement in medical care for HIV are low among MSM diagnosed with HIV. Using structured survey interviews, we investigated the impact of HIV-related stigma (deconstructed into four components: enacted, felt normative, vicarious, and internalized HIV stigmas), same-sex behavior stigma, and gender nonconformity stigma on linkage to HIV care in 225 MSM living with HIV in Ghana. We found that vicarious HIV stigma (i.e., hearing stories of HIV discrimination) positively predicted linkage to care, such that MSM were three times more likely to be linked to care for each unit increase in vicarious stigma scale. Conversely, we found felt normative HIV stigma (i.e., perception of pervasiveness of HIV stigmatization) to negatively predict linkage to care, such that odds of being linked to care were decreased by 37% for each unit increase in felt normative scale. Perceived autonomy-supportive healthcare climate was a positive predictor of linkage to care, such that MSM were twice as likely to be linked to care for each unit increase in healthcare climate score. Finally, we identified locational differences in linkage to care, such that MSM in Takoradi were over three to four times more likely to be linked to care compared to MSM in Greater Accra or Kumasi. Ultimately, our findings highlight the nuanced roles that stigmas can play in shaping care-seeking behaviors and illustrate the need for open-minded perspectives of inquiry towards understanding engagement in the HIV care cascade for marginalized populations.

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2018, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

In this study, I investigated whether sexual agreements (monogamous, non-monogamous, or no sexual agreement) were associated with relationship quality and stability in a sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). A sample of 312 YMSM in same-sex relationships reported on their sexual agreement and indices of relationship quality (satisfaction, trust, and commitment) at baseline, along with their relationship status (still together or broken up) at 6- and 12-month follow-up. One-way ANCOVAs controlling for age indicated no differences by sexual agreement in concurrent trust, but YMSM with monogamous agreements reported higher satisfaction and commitment than YMSM with non-monogamous agreements and those with no sexual agreement. An interval-censored survival analysis revealed no differences in the occurrence of break-up at 6- or 12-month follow-up by sexual agreement. However, post-hoc analyses indicated that this analysis was underpowered, and indirect effect analyses revealed that having a monogamous agreement (vs. a non-monogamous agreement or no agreement) was indirectly associated with higher relationship stability through relationship commitment. These findings demonstrate that YMSM with monogamous agreements may have higher relationship quality at early relationship stages, and that monogamous agreements may be a protective factor against break-up through the mechanism of relationship commitment.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, 2016, College of Education and Human Services

Men teachers are not present in early childhood classrooms for many reasons, despite recruitment efforts. Many men who do choose to follow this feminized career path find themselves positioned as tokens and often quickly leave for administration. Informed by a three-dimensional narrative inquiry approach this research utilized identity and masculinities paradigms to investigate the experiences of veteran men teaching young children. A series of four interviews was used to explore and describe the individual professional life history of participants. The narratives of Frank, Jerry, and George provide a deeper understanding of how men negotiate identity and construct masculinities over time in early childhood education. Findings suggest a critical mass of men teachers can lead to their acceptance in early childhood education while augmenting the male privilege they receive. Themes emerging from the study offer paths for improving the recruitment and retention of men in early childhood education and continuing the discussion of gender and power in the workplace.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2004, Human Development and Family Science

The estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS in India was at 3.86 million (UNAIDS, 2001) and in the United States were over 793,000 (CDC, 2001). Given these high numbers, it is clear that millions of Indians and Americans are facing issues around HIV infection. Although past research has validated the influence of cultural on the individual and families' psychological well-being (Triandis, 1995), literature on psychosocial variables has mostly been conducted in the United States (e.g., Mason, et al., 1995). Research utilizing samples living in other countries warrants attention because the HIV research in the United States is disproportionately represented and is growing at a much faster pace than in other countries such as South Africa, and India. Further, due to cultural differences, it is inappropriate to apply research generated from American samples and impose them on men living in other nations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between disclosure of HIV-status to partners, parents and siblings, perceived support from family and friends, depression and loneliness. Analysis of the disclosure rates, and reasons for disclosure and non-disclosure of their HIV-status to others was also conducted. Existing datasets on HIV positive Indian (n = 100) and American men (n = 139) were used. Hierarchical regression was the main mode of analysis. Results clearly showed that partners were disclosed to at a greater rate than parents and siblings for both Indian and American men, and disclosure rates to all family members was higher for American in comparison with Indian men. The HIV-positive men's age, employment status, and length of HIV diagnosis together were also found to be significantly associated with disclosure to parents, partners, and siblings. Further, it seemed that the American men's reasons for disclosure were more relation-focused, whereas for Indians men it was more obligatory/required. Perceived support from family and fri (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2011, Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Older HIV-positive African American men have unique needs stemming from added risk factors for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stigma, and limitations imposed by psychosocial disparities. These complex experiences may adversely affect the quality of life of older HIV-positive African American men. Yet, it is unclear whether an existing quality of life model (CIQOL; Heckman, 2003) will generalize to older HIV-positive African American men. Structural equation modeling analyses assessed the generalizability of two models to 167 HIV-positive older African American and Caucasian men between the ages of 48 and 73 years. The first model (Adapted CIQOL Model) was adapted from the Chronic Illness Quality of Life Model (CIQOL; Heckman, 2003). The second model is a revised version of the Adapted CIQOL Model in that the causal relationships were modified based on the empirical literature on African Americans (The Revised CIQOL). The Adapted CIQOL Model and Revised CIQOL Model demonstrated goodness of fit for both samples. The findings' implications are discussed.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2009, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Much has been written on gay identity development and ethnic identity, but research conducted that examines the cross-section of both identities is very limited. Several theories have been proposed which detail gay and lesbian identity development, which involve a conversion of attitudes, values, beliefs, and behavior from a dominant heterosexual culture to those of the minority gay and lesbian culture. Likewise, ethnic identity models propose similar stage sequential processes and conversion from a dominant Anglo culture to those of a minority ethnic culture. Both the ethnic and gay identity development models function and are based on two dichotomous variables (e.g., Latino and Anglo, gay and nongay) and have been considered constructs on a continuum with two mutual endpoints. As a result, gay and lesbian people of color may end up rejecting one side and accepting the other. Morales (1990) suggested that Latino gay men live their lives in the gay community, the Latino community, and in the predominantly heterosexual white mainstream community, and that all of these communities have different expectations. The differences and stress often force Latino men into conflict as they attempt to meet the pressures, expectations and challenges. For many Latino gay men, managing these differences may determine how they choose to self-identify and how they identify with each of their other respective identities. This qualitative study examined and analyzed transcripts of interviews with Latino gay men, as they told their unique and heartfelt stories and experiences of being Latino and gay. It also examined the psychological stressors, and how they were instrumental in the manner in which they managed and maintained their identities in the Latino community, the gay community, and in the heterosexual community. The electronic version of this dissertation is available in the open-access OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd

Master of Arts, University of Akron, 2009, Sociology

This thesis is an ethnographic case study of an independent men's group in a small mid-western city which claims no affiliation with any organized faction of the men's movement. It is groups such as this that I contend make up the grass-roots of the men's movement. The intent of my research was to understand why White, middle-aged, middle-class, heterosexual men (or middlers) seek the homosocial support of a men's group. I approach this question in two ways. First, I describe what benefits the men hope to gain through their participation in the group. Secondly, I explain how the setting of the men's group provides these benefits. I also examine whether, and in what ways these men are resisting or reinforcing the patriarchal structure that affords them the privileged status they enjoy as a result of their ascribed status characteristics. Data for this study includes field notes from fifteen months of participant observation in conjunction with face-to-face interviews with the eight men who comprise the “core” group members. Analysis of the data reveals that these men seek a time and place in which to periodically relieve themselves of the burdens of the self-presentation that accompanies hegemonic masculinity. The men's group provides a place where the men feel emotionally safe in presenting what they consider to be their “true selves” by normalizing activities such as self-disclosure iv and emotional expression, and through strict adherence to mutual promises of confidentiality. The increased intimacy that results from these practices creates a sense of gendered community that minimizes gender role conflict and dissonance in gendered social identity while increasing social self esteem through mutual support of men's personal masculinity. In short, group participation helps men feel good about being men and perhaps remedies (in part) the isolation men feel in the larger world. However, the men's apparent inability to feel safe engaging in these practices outside of t (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2008, Counseling Psychology

The present study investigated associations among African American and same sex attracted identity developmental components, psychological well-being, difficult sexual situations, and sexual risk practices among a sample (N = 73) of HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men (MSMs). The current study responds to Mays, Cochran, and Zamudio's (2004) call for empirical investigations of culturally specific determinants impacting psychological health and sexual risk behaviors among African American MSMs. The current study parallels the methodology of Diaz, Ayala, and Bein (2004) and Diaz, Bein, and Ayala (2006), linking experiences of homophobia, racism, and poverty to psychological health and sexual risk practices among gay identified Latino men. Using a similar framework, the current study investigated the impact of African American and same sex attracted identity development on psychological health and sexual risk practices within a sample of African American HIV-positive MSMs. The current study's sample reported a diverse range of sexual identities (e.g., gay, heterosexual, “on the down low;”), with all participants having engaged in consensual sex with other men. Results indicated that higher endorsement of the Anti-White African American identity (as measured by the Cross Racial Identity Scale [CRIS, Vandiver et al., 2000]), as well as lower levels of psychological well-being, and younger ages, predicted circumstances promoting unsafe sex. Higher endorsements of the African American identities of Multiculturalist Inclusive and Miseducation, as well as the same sex attracted identity of Superiority (as measured by the Lesbian and Gay Identity Scale [LGIS; Mohr & Fassinger, 2000]), predicted interpersonal barriers to unsafe sex. Additional exploratory analyses showed higher endorsements of the same sex identity of Homonegativity to predict lower levels of psychological well-being; higher endorsements of the African American identity of Assimilation, an (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 1922, Graduate School

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School