How is Self-Stigma Associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Men Who Have Sex with Men? Roles of Perceived Stress and Negative Affect in a Longitudinal Study

It remains unknown what factors may account for the link between self-stigma and increased anxiety among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to extend previous research by examining the serial mediation of perceived stress and negative affect in the effect of MSM-related self-stigma on anxiety, which is reflected by generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. In a 6-month longitudinal study design, self-stigma, perceived stress, negative affect, and GAD symptoms were measured in a sample of 407 men who have sex with men (Mage = 31.27 ± 7.83) in Hong Kong, China, from April 2018 to July 2019. The prevalence of probable GAD (GAD-7 scores ≥ 5) was 42.3