What is the role of the community? Examining minority stress processes among gay and bisexual men.

Abstract

Gay and bisexual men suffer from higher rates of mental health disorders than their heterosexual counterparts. Minority stress theory provides the framework for much research that seeks to explain this discrepancy. Recently, several studies have also examined the role of connection with the gay community, with mixed results. Operationalizing gay community connectedness in terms of two separate constructs-community involvement and community identification-this study sought to examine and compare the role that each of these factors plays in affecting gay and bisexual men's mental health. We analyzed data from 371 gay and bisexual men in New York City, focusing on measures of minority stress factors, gay community connectedness, and mental health outcomes. As hypothesized, factor analysis showed that the community connectedness scale loaded onto two subfactors corresponding to the theorized constructs of identification and involvement. Linear regression models adjusting for potential confounding factors showed that community involvement was significantly associated with better mental health outcomes. Community involvement also significantly moderated the impact of internalized homonegativity on mental health. This factor was not a significant moderator of the impact of sexual orientation discrimination on mental health, and community identification was not significantly associated with mental health outcomes. It also did not significantly moderate the effect of either minority stress factor. Future research would benefit from developing an updated and highly reliable measure of community involvement.

An Exploration of LGBTQ+ Community Members’ Positive Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Culture

“…Implementing LGBTQ+ support groups at universities, schools, community health clinics focusing on shared values and experiences may foster a better sense of community, stronger sense of collective identity, and connection to LGBTQ+ culture, potentially leading to more positive mental health outcomes (Davids et al, 2015; Morris et al, 2015; Salfras et al, 2018). The value of acceptance appears to operate at an individual level, which fosters a broader goal of inclusion at the level of LGBTQ+ culture.…”

“…For some marginalized sexual and gender diverse individuals, the LGBTQ+ community allows them to connect with LGBTQ+ role models and brings about a sense of hope and belongingness (Goltz, 2014). Such community support and connection serves as a buffer against the effects of minority stress (Morris et al, 2015; Salfras et al, 2018; Zimmerman et al, 2015), and decreases feelings of loneliness (DiFulvio, 2011) and suicidal ideation (Langhinrichson-Rohling et al, 2010). Additionally, identification and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community is beneficial for sexual and gender identity formation (DiFulvio, 2011; Frost & Meyer, 2012).…”

“…Research with the LGBTQ+ community is gaining visibility, with some findings suggesting that connecting to or participating with the community (i.e., a group of individuals within the same geographic area that have characteristics in common; APA, 2017) has positive mental health implications (Davids et al, 2015; Morris et al, 2015; Salfras et al, 2018). However, qualitative research mostly discusses the negative aspects of LGBTQ+ community membership (e.g., rigid body image ideals for men, exclusion within the community; Parmenter et al, 2020) and does not explore positive traits, assets, and strengths of the community (Adams et al, 2014; Fraser, 2008; O’Byrne et al, 2014).…”

LGBTQ+ emerging adults perceptions of discrimination and exclusion within the LGBTQ+ community

“…The literature on the positive aspects of the LGBTQ+ community demonstrates that sexual and gender minorities emphasize a sense of connection to the greater LGBTQ+ community (Fraser, 2008;Riggle, Whiteman, Olson, Rostosky, & Strong, 2008). Feeling a sense of connection to community is linked to better mental health outcomes and lower minority stress (DiFulvio, 2011;Puckett, Levitt, Horne, & Hayes-Skelton, 2015;Salfras, Rendina, & Parsons, 2018). However, an emerging theme in the literature suggests that some sexual and gender minorities actively avoid engaging with the LGBTQ+ community (Adam et al, 2014;Goltz, 2014), expressing that by avoiding the LGBTQ+ community they were also avoiding experiences of harassment or alienation from other members of the community (Fraser, 2008;O'Byrne et al, 2014).…”

Substance Use, General Health and Health Literacy as Predictors of Oral Health in Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men of Color: A Secondary Data Analysis

“…Minority stress theory posits that sexual minority men experience a greater degree of social stress than heterosexual men [ 14 ]. This has resulted in the widespread prevalence of mental health disorders and behavioral health outcomes [ 15 ].…”