COMING OUT KINKY: A MIXED METHODS STUDY TO INFORM THE DESIGN OF A HEALTH COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN PROMOTING DISCLOSURE OF KINK IDENTITY TO PHYSICAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

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  • Smith, Kevin Michael
    • Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Behavior
Abstract
  • Kink is an umbrella term for an array of radical erotic and/or sexual interests which is being increasingly recognized as a valid and healthy expression of sexual identity. Approximately 2-10% of the United States population identifies as kinky. Participating in kink activities can convey risk of injury or infection ranging from simple bruising to severe injury and death. Despite the risk of injury and infection, few studies have examined if and how people who participate in kink activities – also self-referred to as kinky people or kinksters – interact with their healthcare providers to mitigate these risks. Kink has historically been stigmatized and criminalized in societal and healthcare settings, resulting in care avoidance and poor health outcomes. Disclosure of other stigmatized identities such as sexual and gender identity to a healthcare provider has been shown to facilitate patient-provider communication, increase delivery of tailored care, and ultimately to improve health outcomes. Factors that promote disclosure of kink identity to a provider are understudied. The current study was conducted to inform the content and delivery of health communication messages that health providers could employ to facilitate disclosure among their kinky patients. The study comprises a qualitative exploration of kinky peoples’ healthcare experiences, thoughts on disclosure of kink identity, and preferences for delivery of pro-disclosure messages from providers. The study also qualitatively explores the personality trait of sensation seeking which has been shown to impact the effectiveness of tailored health communication messages. A second aim uses data from the International Kink Health Study to test constructs from the Theories of Health Behavior and Normative Social Behavior to identify those constructs associated with disclosure intent. Findings from this study will guide future health communication by informing audience segmentation regarding sensation seeking tendency and message content related to common health behavior theories.
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  • In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Advisor
  • Muessig, Kathryn
  • Hightow-Weidman, Lisa
  • Matthews, Derrick
  • McNaughton Reyes, H. Luz
  • Sprott, Richard
Degree
  • Doctor of Philosophy
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School
Graduation year
  • 2023
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