LGBQ+ Self-Acceptance and Its Relationship with Minority Stressors and Mental Health: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Many individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and with other non-heterosexual orientations (LGBQ+) experience stigma, prejudice, and/or discrimination because of their sexuality. According to minority stress and identity development theories, these experiences can contribute to difficulties with self-acceptance of sexuality. Lower self-acceptance is considered a risk factor for adverse mental health outcomes. The current review aims to investigate whether self-acceptance of sexuality is associated with minority stressors or difficulties with mental health in LGBQ+ individuals, as well as whether there are differences in self-acceptance between different sexual orientations. Five bibliographic databases were searched. Thirteen studies were identified which used quantitative methodology to investigate associations between self-acceptance, minority stressors, and/or mental health within LGBQ+ samples, or differences in self-acceptance between different sexual orientations. The results from these cross-sectional studies suggested that lower self-acceptance of sexuality was associated with higher levels of self-reported minority stressors, including a lack of acceptance from friends and family, a lack of disclosure to others, and internalized heterosexism. Lower self-acceptance of sexuality was associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including greater global distress, depression symptoms, and lower psychological well-being. There was no significant relationship with suicidality. Studies also found that LGBQ+ individuals had lower general self-acceptance compared to heterosexual participants, bisexual individuals had lower sexuality self-acceptance compared to lesbian/gay individuals, and lesbian women had lower sexuality self-acceptance compared to gay men. Given the potential importance of self-acceptance for LGBQ+ populations, further research is required with more robust methodology. Self-acceptance could be a potential target in clinical interventions for LGBQ+ individuals.

The Importance of Social Support, Positive Identity, and Resilience in the Successful Aging of Older Sexual Minority Men

“…These attitudes influence a higher level of internalized homonegativity, resulting in less acceptance of their bi identity [58]. Higher levels of positive identity in gay people have been previously highlighted in comparison to their bisexual peers [59][60][61][62][63].…”

The Role of LGBTQ Identity Pride in the Associations among Discrimination, Social Support, and Depression in a Sample of LGBTQ Adolescents

“…A systematic review of studies involving both LGBTQ youth and adults has similarly found that greater social support and acceptance are associated with greater LGBTQ identity pride and sexuality self-acceptance. 30 Previous research has found that family support may be particularly important for identity pride and mental health among LGBTQ youth since youth often spend a substantial amount of time with their family. 31,32 However, other sources of support may also play a role in LGBTQ youths' mental health, such as support from teachers.…”

Beyond the axes of inequality: Religion, race, and everything in between.

“…In the absence of such support, individuals may develop negative self-identity and, possibly, depression. Also, people who did not report a sexual identity may not feel comfortable owning and accepting their gender identity, which is why they may be depressed (Camp et al, 2020).…”

“…This conceptual understanding and findings can aid psychologists, social workers, mental health professionals, community organizers, and grassroots leaders to become aware of the effect that multiple socially marginalized statuses and subordinate identities can have on their mental health. For example, since lack of self-acceptance and social support can lead to depression, mental health providers should focus on strengthening social resources in addition to self-esteem (Camp et al, 2020). Religious conflict can also be a focal area of treatment.…”

“…Also, family acceptance of LGBTQ youth and young adults has been found to serve as a protective factor against depression (Newcomb et al, 2019). Therefore, we recommend professional interventions that include and promote family and community acceptance (Camp et al, 2020; Ryan et al, 2010). Professionals must have skilled awareness and understanding of diverse ethnic family systems while providing these interventions, attend to how the extensive networks of social, cultural, and political systems affect individuals, and seek to understand the effect of these massive conglomerations of social forces and contexts on the personal lives and interactions of minority groups.…”