In our study we sought to identify factors that lead HIV-uninfected MSM, especially those of ethnic minority background, to have intentional unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) in circumstances in which there is risk of HIV transmission. For comparison purposes we also recruited a smaller number of HIV-infected MSM.
Our research question was: what are the psychological factors (underlying motivations, emotions, justifications) that precede, are concurrent with, and follow barebacking in HIV-uninfected (and infected) MSM? Our team, comprised mainly of psychologists, used a developmental approach to explore how barebacking started and what led to its continuation.
