Abstract
Introduction: globally, men who have sex with men face high levels of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Just world beliefs could enhance their well-being by reducing perceived stigma. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of internalized stigma in the relationship between just world beliefs and mental health. Methodology: a cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 180 men who have sex with men recruited online. Just world beliefs (both personal and general), internalized stigma, and mental health were analyzed through descriptive analyses, correlations, and mediations. Results: the results indicated that just world beliefs were negatively associated with depressive and anxious symptoms. Furthermore, a significant mediating effect was identified, personal beliefs improved mental health by reducing internalized stigma. In contrast, general beliefs did not have a direct impact on mental health. Discussion: personal just world beliefs may serve as a protective factor for mental health in men who have sex with men, primarily by reducing internalized stigma. In contrast, general just world beliefs could even be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression when considered alongside personal beliefs. Conclusion: this study underscores the importance of the mediating role of internalized stigma in the relationship between just world beliefs and mental health among men who have sex with men. This research contributes to understanding how these beliefs affect mental health.
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