An Examination of the Relationship between Africentrism and Psychological Well-Being in Black Gay Men

Abstract

Africentrism, as defined by the principles of Nguzo Saba, has been recommended and incorporated in interventions. It has also been empirically linked to psychological benefits in various subpopulations of Black people. Despite this, it appears there has not been an evaluation or empirical testing of Africentrism’s relationship to positive psychological outcomes in Black gay men. Apart from one recommended intervention for HIV positive Black gay men and their families, there is a gap in the literature which addresses Africentrism in Black gay men. The current study explored if there is a relationship between Africentrism and psychological well-being in Black gay men. Many of the studies done with Black gay men were done with samples made up of both gay and bisexual Black men. Some of the studies also included MSM (Men who have sex with men who may be queer or heterosexual). To isolate population specific patterns, this study was conducted with a homogenous sample of Black gay men only.