A recent meta-analysis led by UConn professor Chenglin Hong highlights that sexual minority men who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) face significantly worse mental health outcomes, including elevated rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.

This study, which is the first comprehensive review of its kind in over a decade, involved contributions from researchers at multiple institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis and UCLA.

Published in January 2025 in the journal Trauma, Violence, and Abuse, the meta-analysis reviewed 22 studies conducted globally between 2003 and 2022, encompassing research from the U.S., China, and the United Kingdom.

The research aims to raise awareness about IPV among sexual minority men, a topic often neglected in public health discussions that typically focus on heterosexual contexts.

Hong emphasizes the need for integrated care that combines healthcare, mental health services, and IPV support to enhance access and improve outcomes for affected individuals.

He advocates for routine IPV screening as part of healthcare and mental health assessments for men, which could significantly improve integrated care services.

The study, titled 'The Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Outcomes Among Sexual Minority Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,' serves as a crucial step in addressing this overlooked issue.

Additionally, Hong suggests that addressing logistical barriers in healthcare can enhance access to services for those experiencing IPV, thereby potentially reducing its prevalence among sexual minority men.

The study was conducted without external funding, relying entirely on volunteer efforts from a dedicated research team.

Hong's recommendations include co-locating healthcare, mental health, and IPV services to better support individuals affected by IPV.

This analysis underscores a critical gap in research regarding men and IPV, highlighting the urgent need for more focused studies in this area.

Societal stigmas surrounding masculinity often deter men from seeking mental health services, particularly those who are victims of IPV.