Sexual Orientation and Differences in Mental Health, Stress, and Academic Performance in a National Sample of U.S. College Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationships of mental health issues and sexual orientation in a national sample of college students. Using the Fall 2009 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment, responses from heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students (N = 27,454) relating to mental health issues and impact of these issues on academics were examined. The findings indicate that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and unsure students consistently reported higher levels of mental health issues and a more frequent impact on academics because of these issues than heterosexual students. Bisexuals frequently reported higher levels than students identifying as gay, lesbian, and unsure.

Comparing Psychosocial Adjustment Across the College Transition in a Matched Heterosexual and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Sample

“…Perhaps LGB students' reliance on such high levels of these cognitive-affective vulnerabilities at the outset left little room for increases, even during a time of known stress. It is possible that since LGB students have had to deal with more negative life events in their youth and adolescence (Oswalt & Wyatt, 2011), such as discrimination and victimization (Robinson & Espelage, 2011;Williams et al, 2005), they may have developed more maladaptive methods of interpreting and handling negative events. The increased feelings of distress and cognitive-affective vulnerabilities might hint at an underlying reciprocal relationship, with greater distress contributing to LGB students' relying on negative cognitive-affective vulnerabilities; or their use of cognitiveaffective vulnerabilities may contribute to the greater experience of distress.…”

“…The environment and consequences associated with sexual minority status often put LGB youth and adults at an increased risk for negative and adverse life events (Oswalt & Wyatt, 2011). Specifically, LGB individuals are much more likely to experience alienation, discrimination, victimization, and abuse as a result of their sexual minority status (Robinson & Espelage, 2011;Williams, Connolly, Pepler, & Craig, 2005).…”

Minority Stress in the Face of Changes in LGB Rights in Croatia

“…Furthermore, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and self-conscious students consistently reported higher levels of mental health issues and a more frequent impact on academics because of these issues than heterosexual students. Additionally, bisexuals frequently reported higher levels than students identifying themselves as gay, lesbian and self-conscious (Oswald & Wyatt, 2011). Shilo and Savaya (2011) emphasized a particular vulnerability of bisexuals who showed lower level of well-being than gays and lesbians, as well as higher levels of mental distress.…”

Standing in the intersection : using Photovoice to understand the lived experience of black gay college students attending predominantly white postsecondary institutions.

“…The struggle to connect with peers and an inability to find one's place in the institution may encourage these students to give up and leave the institution. Sadly, LGBTQ students who experience greater levels of discrimination are at even greater risk for stopping or dropping out, which may have long-term effects on their potential career pathways and overall well-being (Oswalt & Wyatt, 2011).…”

“…Fortunately, LGBTQ students-more so than their heterosexual peers-avail themselves of campus mental health services to cope with the pressures of sexual and student identity formation (Oswalt & Wyatt, 2011). Depending upon the degree to which…”