The “Chemsex” Phenomenon and Its Relationship with Psychological Variables in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Chemsex is described as the use of psychoactive substances during sexual activity to sustain, enhance, disinhibit, or facilitate the sexual experience. It preferentially concerns men who have sex with men. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in chemsex and the psychological variables impulsivity, sexual assertiveness, and hypersexuality. The sample was composed of 137 Spanish men. A total of 104 participants reported that they had engaged in chemsex, with ages ranging from 19 to 42 years (M = 31.41, SD = 4.83). A total of 33 participants reported that they had never participated in chemsex sessions. The participants were contacted and recruited at social centers, LGBT associations, and key informants. Results showed that men who participated in chemsex reported higher impulsivity, higher hypersexuality, and lower sexual assertiveness than those who have never participated in it. The frequency of participation in chemsex, as well as the number of substances consumed, was positively and significantly correlated with dimensions of impulsivity and hypersexuality. This frequency and this consumption were negatively and significantly correlated with sexual assertiveness. Findings showed significant differences in the psychological variables based on the number of consumed substances (polydrug use/consumption of one substance) and the time of consumption (before, during or before and during sex). In conclusion, the study demonstrates the existence of a clear relationship between the experience of chemsex and psychological factors such as being an impulsive person, presenting hypersexual behavior, and/or having low sexual assertiveness.