Gay and Bisexual Adolescent Boys' Sexual Experiences With Men: 
An Empirical Examination of Psychological Correlates in a Nonclinical Sample

Bruce Rind, PhD

Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122.
In: Archives of Sexual Behavior, Vol. 30, No.4, 2001

Abstract 

Introduction 
Background: Research on Gay and Bisexual Boy-Man Sex 
Current Study 

Method 
Overview 
Subjects 
Sample 2 
Sample 2 
ADSR-Identified Sample 
Measures and Procedure 

Results 
Psychological Adjustment 
Table I 
Self-Esteem and Age of Attainment of Positive Sexual Identity as a Function of Having Experienced ADSR 
The ADSR Experiences 
Characteristics 
Reactions 
Consent 
Correlations 
Table II 
Correlations Among ADSR Characteristics

Discussion 
Psychological Adjustment 
Sexual Identity Development  
Reactions and Consent 
The Incest Model: A Procrustean Bed 

CONCLUDING REMARKS 

Appendix 
Narratives of 26 Cases of Sexual Relations Between Gay/Bisexual Adolescent Boys and Men

References 

Abstract

Over the last quarter century the incest model, with its image of helpless victims exploited and traumatized by powerful perpetrators, has come to dominate perceptions of virtually all forms of adult-minor sex. Thus, even willing sexual relations between gay or bisexual adolescent boys and adult men, which differ from father-daughter incest in many important ways, are generally seen by the lay public and professionals as traumatizing and psychologically injurious. This study assessed this common perception by examining a nonclinical, mostly college sample of gay and bisexual men. 

Of the 129 men in the study, 26 were identified as having had age-discrepant sexual relations (ADSRs) as adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age with adult males. Men with ADSR experiences were as well adjusted as controls in terms of self-esteem and having achieved a positive sexual identity.

 Reactions to the ADSRs were predominantly positive, and most ADSRs were willingly engaged in. Younger adolescents were just as willing and reacted at least as positively as older adolescents.

 Data on sexual identity development indicated that ADSRs played no role in creating same-sex sexual interests, contrary to the "seduction" hypothesis. Findings were inconsistent with the incest model. The incest model has come to act as a procrustean bed, narrowly dictating how adult-minor sexual relations quite different from incest are perceived.

KEY WORDS: gay and bisexual boys; man-boy sex; incest model; psychological correlates; homosexual development.