Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


frizzell_thesis_gradschool_final.pdf (358.79 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Sexual Anxiety and Sexual Identities: Implications for Prescription Drug Misuse

Frizzell, Laura
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0204-2998
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1480522012963171

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Sociology.
In this paper, I examine the pathways between sexual anxiety and prescription drug misuse during sexual activities for men and women of different sexual identities (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, and bisexual/queer/questioning (BQQ)) in a sample of young adults (ages 18 to 29) who misuse prescription drugs. Based on general strain theory, I treat sexual anxiety as a source of strain that may increase the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior. I begin by asking whether sexual anxiety predicts the frequency of prescription drug misuse during sex. Secondly, I examine how sexual anxiety operates differently for men and women of different sexual identities. I use a mixed-methods approach to answer these questions. Specifically, I use negative binomial regression, general structural equation modeling, and thematic analysis of in-depth interviews. I find first that sexual anxiety is an important predictor of prescription drug misuse during sex. Sexual anxiety generally operates by decreasing the frequency of sexual activity, which in turn decreases the frequency of misusing prescription drugs during sex. However, for straight and BQQ men, higher levels of sexual anxiety do increase the likelihood of prescription drug misuse during sex. Further, I find that sexual anxiety captures different dimensions for different groups based on gender and sexual identity. These findings demonstrate the importance of including gender and sexual identity in deviance research and have implications for the direction of intervention and prevention efforts regarding substance abuse.
Mike Vuolo (Advisor)
Corinne Reczek (Committee Member)
Dana Haynie (Committee Member)
74 p.
Criminology; Sociology
Prescription drug misuse; substance use during sex; sexuality; gender and sexual identity; general strain theory; mixed methods; general strain theory; sexual anxiety

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Frizzell, L. (2016). Sexual Anxiety and Sexual Identities: Implications for Prescription Drug Misuse [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1480522012963171

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Frizzell, Laura. Sexual Anxiety and Sexual Identities: Implications for Prescription Drug Misuse. 2016. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1480522012963171.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Frizzell, Laura. "Sexual Anxiety and Sexual Identities: Implications for Prescription Drug Misuse." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1480522012963171

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1480522012963171
477
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.