Stigma Management and Well-Being: The Role of Perceived Social Support, Emotional Processing, and Suppression

Abstract

Lesbians and gay men frequently make decisions about concealing or disclosing their stigmatized identity. Past research has found that disclosing one's sexual orientation is often beneficial. This study aimed to answer the question, "why?". Specifically, this study tested a model in which perceived social support, emotional processing, and suppression mediate the association between disclosure and well-being. To capture disclosure decisions in real time, participants completed a 2-week daily diary study and a 2-month follow-up survey. As expected, participants generally reported greater well-being on days when they disclosed (vs. concealed) their sexual orientation. Perceived social support was a consistent predictor of well-being and mediator of the association between disclosure and well-being. Although less consistent across time and measures, emotional processing and to a lesser extent suppression were also significantly associated with disclosure and well-being. This research advances the scientific understanding of concealable stigmatized identities and their impact on individual well-being.

Male Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Care

“…Studies have found that gay male youth who have a supportive environment during the disclosure process can have a more positive psychological adjustment. 44,45 As discussed in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on sexual orientation and adolescents, 46 boys who are questioning and gay and do not have supportive environments are at increased risk of social isolation, school failure, family conflict, substance abuse, depression, suicide, and stigmatization. [47][48][49][50] Most sexual-minority youth are quite resilient and work through adolescent development issues.…”

Idosos LGBT que Vivem em Instituições de Cuidados: Desafios e Barreiras para a Manutenção dos Direitos Sexuais

“…Es decir, quizá muchas décadas de vivir su identidad y orientación sexual de manera abierta en la comunidad, entrar en la residencia es un paso atrás dramático y un recorte drástico de derechos (Cohen, Curry, Jenkins Walker, & Hogstel, 2008;Johnson et al, 2005). El temor a revelar la identidad sexual no sólo tiene efectos en el ámbito de los derechos, sino que puede implicar consecuencias negativas para el funcionamiento psicológico y la salud mental (Beals, Peplau, & Gable, 2009;Bybee, Sullivan, Zielonka, & Moes, 2009). Adicionalmente, 'volver al armario' también puede suponer reforzar ciertos sentimientos de aislamiento que muchas veces acompañan a la institucionalización, así como disponer de un menor apoyo social, en cantidad y calidad (Stein, Beckerman, & Sherman, 2010).…”

Interventions for healthy aging among mature Black lesbians: Recommendations gathered through community-based research

“…And I think if I had unlimited funds, I would work towards helping people feel that they're good enough from the inside so that they can walk anywhere and be who they are…and know that that's okay. This participant's words highlight that lesbians may "come out" at any age, including later life, and having an affirming social support network is key in protecting against mental health issues during the coming out process (Beals, Peplau, & Gable, 2009;Kwon, 2013). Lesbian peer support groups were one recommended intervention to help address this internalized stigma.…”