Coping Strategies and Mental Disorders among the LGBT+ Community in Malaysia

Abstract

The LGBT+ community in Malaysia is vulnerable to mental disorders due to the pressures of being in a conservative heteronormative culture. This study aimed to study the association between coping strategies as well as the sociodemographic factors of LGBT+ individuals with mental disorders and quantify the occurrence of mental disorders among them. This study used a cross-sectional design. The self-rated Brief Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used to this end. A total of 152 participants were recruited. Among the participants, 67.8% used mainly problem-focused coping strategies, 29.6% employed emotion-based coping, and 6.6% used avoidance coping. The prevalence of mental disorders in general and major depressive disorder was much higher than in the general Malaysian population (80.3% and 40.1%, respectively). The only sociodemographic factor that was significantly associated with mental disorders was bisexuality. Problem-focused coping is associated with fewer mental disorders, and emotion-based coping is associated with a higher prevalence of mental disorders. More studies need to be conducted to better understand and better manage the mental disorders of the Malaysian LGBT+ community.

Perceived attitudes toward LGBTQ + physicians among individuals with psychiatric illness in the religiously diverse Southern Region of Thailand: a multihospital-based survey

“…The finding reiterates that LGBTQ + perspectives are becoming less pathologic and/or less separated from those considered to be the societal norms than before [ 3 ]. However, there were differences from other Asian nations, such as Malaysia, that there remains a stigma against individuals with LGBTQ + preferences [ 20 ]. Therefore, the different results could be attributed to the nature of the sample, i.e., ethnicity, culture, and individuals with psychiatric illnesses may have different characteristics or attitudes compared to individuals with other illnesses or members of the general population.…”

Sexual Health and Psychological Well-Being of Women: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, other contextual aspects have been considered, for example, Polihronakis et al [33] showed that discrimination in bisexual women has a direct relationship with internalization and sexual risk behaviors, increasing the odds of engaging in it and showing higher rates of STIs and HIV. To understand how discrimination against sexual minorities affects sexual health, more studies need to be conducted to better manage mental disorders in the LGBTQ+ community [57]. Lastly, psychosocial factors influence HSDD and interfere in the relationship with the partner and mental and emotional well-being [30].…”

Sexual Health and Psychological Well-Being of Women: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, other contextual aspects have been considered, for example, Polihronakis et al [33] showed that marginalization has a direct relationship with internalization and sexual risk behaviors. To understand how discrimination against sexual minorities affects sexual health, more studies need to be conducted to better manage the mental disorders of the LGBTQ+ community [57]. Lastly, psychosocial factors influence HSDD, they interfere in the relationship with the partner, and mental and emotional well-being [30].…”