• Sh. Sachin Gupta

A significant risk of HIV infection exists among African American young men who sex with men (AAYMSM). Because these groups pose both risk and support for AAYMSM, researchers must evaluate their resources. This knowledge may help develop more effective preventive and intervention methods. Using Minority Stress Theory, this study examines how these variables affect the connection between minority stress and psychological well-being among MSM from the Los Angeles House and Ball communities. Participants were polled for a year. A model of minority stresses, assistance, social network interaction, and psychological well-being/distress (N=233) was estimated using structural equation modelling. The results revealed significant relationships between distal minority stress (e.g., racism, homophobia), homosexual identification, and internalized homophobia. Minority stressors, on the other hand, were linked to greater suffering. However, greater instrumental support decreased the effects of distal minority stress on distress. Greater social network connectivity has also reduced stress related to homosexual distress detection. The findings reflect the various causes of minority stress and how these stresses affect mental health. The results also show how social networks may help minimize the harmful effects of minority stress encounters.

Ball Communities, Gay, HIV Infection, Homophobia, Minority Stress.

"The Impact on Support and Access to Social Networks within the Los Angeles House and Ball Communities of Support and Access", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no.1038-1042, December-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRFH06175.pdf

"The Impact on Support and Access to Social Networks within the Los Angeles House and Ball Communities of Support and Access", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no. pp1038-1042, December-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRFH06175.pdf