Predictors of Psychological Outcomes in Nonheterosexual Individuals

Sanders, Emily K.; Chalk, Holly M.

doi:10.24839/2164-8204.jn21.2.100

Cited by 17 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 101 publications

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“…Past research has demonstrated links between discrimination/stigma, stress, and negative psychological consequences for LGBTIQ populations (Meyer, , , ). Previous research has also identified sexual orientation‐based discrimination as a unique predictor of psychological distress among LGBTIQ populations (Mays & Cochran, ; Sanders & Chalk, ; Szymanski, ). It has also been determined that higher stress is associated with more psychological distress in sexual and gender minority populations (McElroy, Wintemberg, Cronk, & Everett, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of the Australian marriage equality postal survey and debate on psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning people and allies

Ecker¹,

Riggle

Rostosky

et al. 2019

Australian Journal of Psychology

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Objective: In August 2017, the Australian Government announced a voluntary, non-binding postal survey to seek opinion on the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. The government encouraged public debate on the issue. This study sought to identify impacts of the Australian postal survey and associated marriage equality debate on psychological distress experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) people and their allies. Method:LGBTIQ identified people (n = 5,742) and people who identified as allies of LGBTIQ (n = 1,648) were recruited via social media to complete an online questionnaire administered during the survey and debate period. Participants completed demographic items, and measures of debate-related stress, prior experiences of depression, stress and anxiety, prior stressful life events, and psychological distress. Results:LGBTIQ people and allies reported high levels of debate-related stress, which was moderately and positively correlated with psychological distress. Comparison of means and correlation coefficients, and a preliminary multiple regression model suggested that LGBTIQ and allies experienced debate-related stress differently. Therefore, separate hierarchical regressions were performed for the groups. Debate-related stress accounted for unique variance in psychological distress in each group after accounting for prior life stress, prior psychological distress, and demographic variables. Conclusions: Debate-related stress predicted psychological distress for both LGBTIQ people and allies. Findings suggest that the marriage equality debate represented an acute external minority stress event that had measurable negative impacts on mental health of LGBTIQ people and their allies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of the Australian marriage equality postal survey and debate on psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning people and allies

Ecker¹,

Riggle

Rostosky

et al. 2019

Australian Journal of Psychology

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“…Minority stress theory is largely supported by empirical evidence, as studies have shown that these four processes can have a negative impact on mental and physical health (Baams et al, 2015;Frost et al, 2015;Meyer, 2003;Mongelli et al, 2019). Discrimination, harassment, and peer victimisation contribute to LGB individuals having a poorer psychosocial adjustment and physical health, which may include an increased risk of anxiety, depression, substance use, conduct problems, school isolation, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts (Almeida et al, 2009;Baams et al, 2015;Bontempo & D'Augelli, 2002;Espelage et al, 2008;Marshal et al, 2011;McLaughlin et al, 2010;Murdock & Bolch, 2005;Russell et al, 2012;Sanders & Chalk, 2016;Woodford et al, 2014). Moreover, decreases in self-esteem and satisfaction with life have also been linked to victimisation and a non-supportive LGBT climate (Kwon & Hugelshofer, 2010;Russell et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discrimination and Protection In Lgb Individualsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Discrimination and Mental Health: Mediation Effects of Coping Strategies in LGB and Heterosexual Youth

2021

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Previous studies reveal that the negative effect of discrimination on mental health is particularly pernicious among stigmatised minorities. However, research also points out the importance of protection mechanisms that may buffer its effect. This study aimed to explore the relationships between mental health, perceived discrimination, and coping strategies of positive reframing and self-blame in LGB and heterosexual youth. Data were collected through a paper and pencil and an online survey administered to 195 Portuguese adolescents and young adults. The survey covered mental health (Mental Health Inventory-5), discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale), and coping strategies (Brief COPE). Of the sample, 73.3% were women and 51.8% self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). Analyses of variance show that LGB participants have experienced more discrimination than their heterosexual counterparts. There was no difference in the levels of mental health and the use of self-blame or positive reframing coping strategies. Regression analyses reveal that perceived discrimination and self-blame contribute to the worsening of the mental health of LGB and heterosexual youth. Positive reframing coping was a predictor of mental health only in LGB participants, a strategy that contributed to their resilience in the face of discrimination. Additionally, only LGB participants displayed an indirect effect of discrimination on mental health, partially mediated by self-blame coping. Results corroborate previous findings that suggest that perceived discrimination has a more deleterious effect for members of a minority group and support the psychological mediation framework regarding the effect of discrimination on mental health in stigmatised groups.

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“…19 The authors concluded that these differences were likely due to the greater social acceptance of same-sex relationships in the Netherlands, which legalised same-sex marriage in 2001. 19 Same-sex couples are at a higher risk of poorer mental health and suicide than heterosexual couples, 20 and living in a society that limits their legal and social rights results in negative psychological outcomes for same-sex parented families. 21 A 2009 study that compared the wellbeing of lesbian mothers in the US and Canada found that discriminatory policies in the USincluding a prohibition on same-sex marriageresulted in more symptoms of depression and caused unnecessary strain on the children of lesbian mothers.…”

Section: Reviews and Meta-analysismentioning

confidence: 99%