Romantic involvement: A protective factor for psychological health in racially-diverse young sexual minorities.

Abstract

Sexual minority youth experience elevated rates of internalizing disorders; it is, therefore, important to identify protective factors that decrease risk for psychological distress in this population. In this study, we examined whether involvement in a romantic relationship, a well-established protective factor for mental health among heterosexual adults, is also protective for young sexual minorities. Using eight waves of data provided by a community sample of 248 racially diverse sexual minority youth (ages 16-20 years at baseline), we assessed within-person associations between relationship involvement and psychological distress. Results from multilevel structural equation models indicated that, overall, participants reported less psychological distress at waves when they were in a relationship than when they were not. However, findings differed as a function of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation. Specifically, although relationship involvement predicted lower psychological distress for Black and gay/lesbian participants, the association was not present for White participants and, for bisexuals, relationship involvement predicted higher distress. In addition, relationship involvement reduced the negative association between victimization based on sexual minority status and psychological distress, suggesting a stress-buffering effect that did not differ based on demographic factors. Together, these findings suggest that being in a romantic relationship may promote mental health for many, but not all, young sexual minorities, highlighting the importance of attending to differences among subgroups of sexual minorities in research, theory, and efforts to reduce mental health disparities. (PsycINFO Database Record

Minority Stress and Mental Health in Italian Bisexual People

“…Instead, regarding the higher levels of anticipated binegativity in younger participants, it is plausible to hypothesize that older bisexual individuals have had more time to integrate their identity within the self-concept, developing competencies that allow them to buffer the negative effects of stigma on health (Van Wagenen et al 2013). Furthermore, we found that being older, more educated, and being in intimate relationships were associated with a better mental health, confirming previous studies highlighting the protective role against psychological distress of such factors (e.g., Fredriksen-Goldsen et al 2014;Van Wagenen et al 2013;Whitton et al 2018). Finally, we found that a very high percentage of participants met the clinical cut-off of both depression (78.7%) and anxiety (68.2%).…”

Effects of romantic involvement on substance use among young sexual and gender minorities

“…Being in a romantic relationship appears to reduce drinking among all SGM youth, and reduce use of drugs other than marijuana among those who identify as gay or lesbian. Together with evidence that romantic involvement has psychological benefits in this population, reducing distress associated with victimization they experience related to their minority sexual identity (Whitton et al, 2018), these results support initiatives to promote healthy relationships among SGM youth. Efforts to encourage dating among SGM (e.g., through planned LGBT-focused social events), and to teach healthy relationship skills (Mustanski et al, 2015), may ultimately help reduce the mental health and substance use disparities they face.…”

“…Specific sexual identities may also influence how romantic involvement affects substance use. Although dating is associated with better psychological health among gay and lesbian individuals, among bisexuals it is associated with greater risk for anxiety disorders (Feinstein et al, 2016) and more psychological distress (Whitton et al, 2018). These differences may be attributable to unique stressors bisexuals face when involved in romantic relationships, including invalidation of their bisexual identity by others who assume they are lesbian/gay or heterosexual based on their current partner’s gender (Dyar et al, 2014) and pressure from non-bisexual partners to change their sexual identity (Bostwick and Hequembourg, 2014).…”

Stigma on the Streets, Dissatisfaction in the Sheets: Is Minority Stress Associated with Decreased Sexual Functioning Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men?

“…Previous research among both sexual minority and general samples of youth has demonstrated the positive effect of serious partnerships on emotional wellbeing. [42][43][44] In addition, having a regular partner increases availability of sex, which may then increase global satisfaction with one's sex life. It is also possible that those with higher interest in sexual activity may seek out a serious partner so that sex is more readily available.…”