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O'Shea J, Jenkins R, Nicholls D, Downs J, Hudson LD. Prevalence, severity and risk factors for mental disorders among sexual and gender minority young people: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02552-1. [PMID: 39141104 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Evidence suggests heightened prevalence and severity of mental disorders among sexual minority (SM) and gender minority (GM) young people. Several risk factors have been associated with these disparities. A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature and to determine the field's current position. MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science were searched in March 2022 and updated January 2024. Eligibility criteria were systematic reviews or meta-analyses assessing contemporaneous prevalence, severity and/or risk factors of mental disorders among SM or GM young people aged 25 and under. 42 reviews were included, all of which were low quality. The prevalence of depression among SM was 26% (95% CI 21-32%), and among GM was 46% (95% CI 36-56%). Greater depression severity was found among SM compared to heterosexual young people, with a significant albeit small effect size (Hedges' g = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.50); effect sizes were similar when separating by gender. GM also reported greater symptom severity compared to cisgender young people. Other mental disorders were more prevalent compared to those reported in the general population, and of greater severity compared to heterosexual/cisgender young people. Several proximal and distal risk factors were focused upon within the systematic reviews identified. Past systematic reviews consistently indicate a heightened risk of mental disorders among SM and GM young people. Services need to be aware of these disparities and adapt their care accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan O'Shea
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK. jonathan.o'
| | - Rebecca Jenkins
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, University Road, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Dasha Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Downs
- Independent Researcher and Expert by Experience, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lee D Hudson
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Wright T, Solmi F, Ajnakina O, Ingram E, Kandola A, Lee S, Iob E, Steptoe A, Thomas B, Lewis G. The role of loneliness in the association between sexual orientation and depressive symptoms among older adults: A prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:137-144. [PMID: 38593941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to understand the mechanisms contributing to the elevated risk of depression among sexual minority older adults compared to heterosexuals. Specifically, the role of loneliness as a potential mediator is investigated to inform targeted interventions for preventing depression in sexual minority populations. METHODS Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, focusing on adults aged over 50, were analysed. Sexual orientation (sexual minority or heterosexual) and loneliness scores (UCLA scale) were assessed at wave six (2010-2011), while depressive symptoms (CESD) were assessed at wave seven (2013-14). Linear regression models and mediation analyses, using g-computation formula and adjusted for confounders, were conducted. RESULTS The sample included 6794 participants, with 478 (7.0 %) identifying as sexual minorities. After adjustments, sexual minorities scored higher on depressive symptoms at wave seven (mean difference): 0.23, 95 % CI 0.07 to 0.39) and loneliness at wave six (MD: 0.27, 95 % CI 0.08 to 0.46). Loneliness was positively associated with depressive symptoms (coefficient: 0.27, 95 % CI 0.26 to 0.29). In mediation analyses, loneliness explained 15 % of the association between sexual orientation and subsequent depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS The dataset used sexual behaviour rather than desire and identity, potentially skewing representation of sexual minorities. Additionally, transgender older adults were not included due to limited gender diversity reported within the ELSA dataset. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness appears to be a significant modifiable mechanism contributing to the heightened risk of depressive symptoms in sexual minority older adults compared with their heterosexual counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talen Wright
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, United Kingdom.
| | - Francesca Solmi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, United Kingdom
| | - Olesya Ajnakina
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Ingram
- Department of Applied Health Research, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Kandola
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Lee
- Opening Doors, Unit 4.1b Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Iob
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Thomas
- Opening Doors, Unit 4.1b Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, United Kingdom
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Semenyna SW, Vasey PL, Honey PL. Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Dark Triad Traits, Sexual Excitation/Inhibition, and Sociosexuality. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02895-5. [PMID: 38890227 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02895-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The present study sought to investigate sex and sexual orientation differences in several traits related to sexuality and sexual behavior. Examining sexual orientation differences alongside basic sex differences to help identify correlates of sexual orientation diversity, and whether individuals with varying degrees of same-sex attraction show concurrent sex-atypical shifts in other domains. Males tend to score higher than females in the Dark Triad (DT) traits of sub-clinical narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Similarly, females tend to be more cautious than males in their attitudes and desires toward casual sex activity (i.e., sociosexuality). These sex differences may be related to the propensity for individuals to become easily sexually excited, which is higher in males, or to instead inhibit sexual arousal, which is higher in females. In a large undergraduate sample (N = 2047), we replicated expected sex differences in DT traits, sociosexuality, and sexual excitation/inhibition. We found that non-heterosexual females were "male-shifted" in some of these traits, but these shifts tended to be strongest among mostly heterosexual and bisexual individuals. Furthermore, we found that within-sex variation in sociosexuality, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition was not related to sexual orientation in a linear fashion. Instead, sociosexuality and sexual excitation were related to sexual orientation in a curvilinear (inverted-U) fashion, especially among females. The fact that traits correlated with bisexuality and homosexuality were somewhat distinct is consistent with the idea that different developmental pathways may lead to these discrete sexual attraction patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Semenyna
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, 10700 104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4S2, Canada.
| | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - P Lynne Honey
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, 10700 104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4S2, Canada
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Huang J, Kaufman TML, Baams L, Branje S. Peer Bullying Victimization Trajectories for Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth from Early Childhood to Late Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2024:10.1007/s10964-024-02020-8. [PMID: 38849685 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-02020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Sexually and gender diverse (SGD) youth experience more peer bullying victimization than heterosexual, cisgender youth during adolescence, yet the emergence and persistence of these disparities remain underexplored. Also, it is unclear which factors are associated with these disparities across development, and how these disparities are linked to late adolescent health discrepancies. This study utilized the sample from the Millennium Cohort Study in Britain (N = 10,080; 51.3% assigned female at birth; Mage = 2.28, SDage = 0.46 at Wave 2), in which 23.74% of youth reported non-heterosexual attraction, 21.59% reported non-heterosexual identity, and 1.08% reported gender identity not in line with the sex assigned at birth. Using latent class growth modeling, four peer bullying victimization trajectories were identified, with early peak (7.2%), late childhood peak (6.3%), adolescence onset (12.8%), and low (73.6%) rates of victimization. SGD youth, compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth, were found to have increased odds of being in the victimization-involved classes, especially the adolescence onset class. The study further revealed that SGD youth reported more mental health and relational difficulties in childhood, which were linked to their heightened risk of longer-lasting victimization. Further, long-term victimization was found to partially account for the disparities in health and well-being for SGD youth in late adolescence. In conclusion, SGD youth were more likely to experience longer-lasting bullying victimization during childhood and adolescence, its related mental and relational vulnerabilities were already established in childhood, and such victimization disparities were further linked to their detrimental health and well-being in late adolescence. The design, hypotheses, and target analyses of the current study were preregistered on 21st April 2023 at https://osf.io/f2zxy .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Huang
- Department of Youth and Family, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Tessa M L Kaufman
- Department of Youth and Family, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baams
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Huang AK, Hoatson T, Chakraborty P, McKetta S, Soled KRS, Reynolds CA, Boehmer U, Miranda AR, Streed CG, Maingi S, Haneuse S, Young JG, Kang JH, Austin SB, Eliassen AH, Charlton BM. Disparities in cancer incidence by sexual orientation. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38733613 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer risk factors are more common among sexual minority populations (e.g., lesbian, bisexual) than their heterosexual peers, yet little is known about cancer incidence across sexual orientation groups. METHODS The 1989-2017 data from the Nurses' Health Study II, a longitudinal cohort of female nurses across the United States, were analyzed (N = 101,543). Sexual orientation-related cancer disparities were quantified by comparing any cancer incidence among four sexual minority groups based on self-disclosure-(1) heterosexual with past same-sex attractions/partners/identity; (2) mostly heterosexual; (3) bisexual; and (4) lesbian women-to completely heterosexual women using age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method. Additionally, subanalyses at 21 cancer disease sites (e.g., breast, colon/rectum) were conducted. RESULTS For all-cancer analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in cancer incidence at the 5% type I error cutoff among sexual minority groups when compared to completely heterosexual women; the aIRR was 1.17 (95% CI,0.99-1.38) among lesbian women and 0.80 (0.58-1.10) among bisexual women. For the site-specific analyses, incidences at multiple sites were significantly higher among lesbian women compared to completely heterosexual women: thyroid cancer (aIRR, 1.87 [1.03-3.41]), basal cell carcinoma (aIRR, 1.85 [1.09-3.14]), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aIRR, 2.13 [1.10-4.12]). CONCLUSION Lesbian women may be disproportionately burdened by cancer relative to their heterosexual peers. Sexual minority populations must be explicitly included in cancer prevention efforts. Comprehensive and standardized sexual orientation data must be systematically collected so nuanced sexual orientation-related cancer disparities can be accurately assessed for both common and rare cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K Huang
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tabor Hoatson
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Payal Chakraborty
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah McKetta
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kodiak R S Soled
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colleen A Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ulrike Boehmer
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexis R Miranda
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl G Streed
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- GenderCare Center, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shail Maingi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastien Haneuse
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica G Young
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jae H Kang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittany M Charlton
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Silva T. Self-Rated Masculinity and Femininity and Reported Number of Lifetime Sexual Partners Among Cisgender Heterosexual and LGBQ Men and Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1633-1644. [PMID: 38097871 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Prior research has quantitatively examined why heterosexual men and women report different numbers of lifetime different-sex sexual partners, whereas qualitative work has analyzed how men's masculinity-and to a lesser extent, women's femininity-is tied to gender norms about sexual activity. Less research, however, has quantitatively examined the associations between self-rated masculinity and femininity and reported number of lifetime sexual partners. This brief report uses a large sample of Canadians (n = 2117) to examine how self-rated masculinity and femininity relate to reported numbers of sexual partners among four groups of cisgender people: (1) heterosexual men (n = 972), (2) heterosexual women (n = 979), (3) gay and bisexual/pansexual men (n = 99), and (4) lesbian and bisexual/pansexual women (n = 67). Results demonstrate that self-rated femininity was negatively, and masculinity positively, associated with reported numbers of lifetime different-sex sexual partners among heterosexual women. No significant associations emerged for other groups. The lack of significant associations among heterosexual men may be attributable to the fact that most rated themselves as very masculine and not very feminine, whereas there was more variation among heterosexual women. In contrast, the non-significance among LGBQ women and men could reflect that subcultural norms and practices more strongly shape the number of sexual partners individuals report having in these communities. These results demonstrate that it would be beneficial for researchers to measure self-rated masculinity and femininity in future studies about sexual partnering practices, especially among heterosexual cisgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Silva
- Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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Sönmez İ. How Does Sexual Identity-Attraction Discordance Influence Suicide Risk? A Study on Male and Female Adults in the U.S. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:686-700. [PMID: 37303190 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2220757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide continues to be one of the main causes of death among adults in the U.S. Research showed an association between sexual identity-attraction discordance (IAD) and adverse health outcomes, including suicidal ideation. METHODS We sought to determine whether sexual IAD is associated with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), namely suicidal thoughts, plans, and suicide attempts, in the past year. We examined data from adults participating in the most recent six waves (2015-2020) of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. RESULTS Men who report sexual identity-attraction discordance were at greater risk of reporting suicidal thoughts (aOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.24-6.00) and plans (aOR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.32-9.81) in the past year. Stratified by sexual identity, results showed that gay (aOR = 5.92, 95% CI: 1.54-22.7) and bisexual men (aOR = 4.38, 95% CI: 2.17-8.83) had higher odds of reporting suicide plans and heterosexual (aOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.06-6.68), gay (aOR = 7.05, 95% CI: 1.88-26.4), and bisexual men (aOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 4.37-22.9) had higher odds of suicide attempts when compared to men with concordant sexual identity-attraction. We found that bisexual women who report sexual identity-attraction discordance had less odds of reporting suicidal thoughts (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.21-0.63) and suicide plans (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.89) than women with concordant sexual identity-attraction. Among bisexual-identified males, those who experience sexual identity-attraction discordance were at greater risk for past-year suicidal thoughts (aOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 2.12-6.91) and suicide attempts (aOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 2.13-13.1) when compared to bisexual men with concordant sexual identity-attraction. CONCLUSION Sexual IAD is associated with SITB and particularly concerning results emerged concerning bisexual-identified men.
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Booth C, Fitzsimons E. The onset of mental health disparities in sexual minority and majority youth: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38374604 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Decades of research shows that sexual minority youth (SMY) display heightened risk for mental health problems, although the onset of such disparities remains unclear. The Millennium Cohort Study is the largest nationally representative longitudinal study of adolescents in the United Kingdom. In this study, participants (N = 10,047, 50% female) self-reported their sexual identity at age 17 and had parent-reported mental health data, from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, reported across five waves at ages 5, 7, 11, 14, and 17. Multilevel linear spline models, stratified by sex, were used to examine mental health trajectories between sexual identity groups (completely heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, SMY). SMY showed heightened peer problems from the baseline assessment at age five, increasing over time, and heightened emotional problems from age 11, increasing over time. Mostly heterosexual youth showed heightened emotional problems at age 11 in males, and at age 17 in females. Findings are discussed in light of the literature on minority stress and gender conformity in youth. The use of parent-reported mental health data means that estimates are likely to be conservative. We conclude that interventions supporting SMY should start early and be available throughout adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Booth
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emla Fitzsimons
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University College London, London, UK
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Lam J, Campbell A. Life Events and Loneliness Among Older Women of Diverse Sexual Identities: Application of the Stress Process Model. Res Aging 2023; 45:239-254. [PMID: 35579594 DOI: 10.1177/01640275221090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Loneliness among older adults has been a topic of interest in recent years. We analyse four waves of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. We estimate growth models to examine differences in loneliness trajectories from age 50 for women who identify as exclusively heterosexual, plurisexual (bisexual, mainly heterosexual, mainly lesbian) and exclusively lesbian. We find no significant differences in levels of loneliness across sexual identity groups at age 50. We find that while loneliness trajectories of exclusively heterosexual women trend down, levels of loneliness increase with age among plurisexual women. Adverse health events and relationship problems increase loneliness to a greater extent among plurisexual women compared to exclusively heterosexual and exclusively lesbian women. Our results suggest older lesbian women may have accumulated social or personal resources or developed coping mechanisms over the courses of their lives, while plurisexual women remain a vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Lam
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, AU-QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council of Excellence on Children and Families over the Life Course, Indooroopilly, AU-QLD, Australia
| | - Alice Campbell
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Indooroopilly, AU-QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council of Excellence on Children and Families over the Life Course, Indooroopilly, AU-QLD, Australia
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10
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Khanolkar AR, Frost DM, Tabor E, Redclift V, Amos R, Patalay P. Ethnic and Sexual Identity-Related Inequalities in Adolescent Health and Well-Being in a National Population-Based Study. LGBT Health 2023; 10:26-40. [PMID: 36049061 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study employed an intersectional framework to examine impact of inequalities related to sexual minority (SM) and ethnic minority (EM) identities in risk for health, well-being, and health-related behaviors in a nationally representative sample. Methods: Participants included 9789 (51% female) adolescents aged 17 years from the U.K.-wide Millennium Cohort Study, with data on self-identified sexual and ethnic identities. Adolescents were grouped into White heterosexual, White-SM, EM-heterosexual, and EM-SM categories. Questionnaires assessed mental health (e.g., self-reported psychological distress, doctor-diagnosed depression, attempted suicide), general health (self-rated health, chronic illness, body mass index), and health-related behaviors (e.g., smoking, substance use). Associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: SM individuals (White: 18% and EM: 3%) had increased odds for mental health difficulties and attempted suicide, with higher odds for White-SM individuals than for EM-SM individuals. Compared with White heterosexual individuals, White-SM and EM-SM individuals had higher risk for psychological distress (adjusted odds ratios [OR] 3.47/2.24 for White-SM/EM-SM, respectively) and emotional symptoms (OR 3.17/1.65). They had higher odds for attempted suicide (OR 2.78/2.02), self-harm (OR 3.06/1.52), and poor sleep quality (OR 1.88/1.67). In contrast, the White heterosexual and White-SM groups had similarly high proportions reporting risky behaviors except for drug use (OR 1.45) and risky sex (OR 1.40), which were more common in White-SM individuals. EM-heterosexual and EM-SM individuals had decreased odds for health-related behaviors. Conclusion: SM (White and EM) individuals had substantially worse mental health compared with heterosexual peers. Adverse health-related behaviors were more common in White-SM individuals. Investigation into the mechanisms leading to these differences is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal R Khanolkar
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King' College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Frost
- UCL Social Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rebekah Amos
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Praveetha Patalay
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL, London, United Kingdom.,UCL Social Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
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De Schrijver L, Fomenko E, Krahé B, Dewaele A, Harb J, Janssen E, Motmans J, Roelens K, Vander Beken T, Keygnaert I. An assessment of the proportion of LGB+ persons in the Belgian population, their identification as sexual minority, mental health and experienced minority stress. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1807. [PMID: 36151509 PMCID: PMC9502943 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies report vast mental health problems in sexual minority people. Representative national proportion estimates on self-identifying LGB+ persons are missing in Belgium. Lacking data collection regarding sexual orientation in either census or governmental survey data limits our understanding of the true population sizes of different sexual orientation groups and their respective health outcomes. This study assessed the proportion of LGB+ and heterosexual persons in Belgium, LGB+ persons' self-identification as sexual minority, mental health, and experienced minority stress. METHOD A representative sample of 4632 individuals drawn from the Belgian National Register completed measures of sexual orientation, subjective minority status, and its importance for their identity as well as a range of mental-health measures. RESULTS LGB+ participants made up 10.02% of the total sample and 52.59% of LGB+ participants self-identified as sexual minority. Most sexual minority participants considered sexual minority characteristics important for their identity. LGB+ persons reported significantly worse mental health than heterosexual persons. Sexual minority participants did not report high levels of minority stress, but those who considered minority characteristics key for their identity reported higher levels of minority stress. LGB+ participants who did not identify as minority reported fewer persons they trust. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of persons who identified as LGB+ was twice as large as the proportion of persons who identified as a minority based on their sexual orientation. LGB+ persons show poorer mental health compared to heterosexual persons. This difference was unrelated to minority stress, sociodemographic differences, minority identification, or the importance attached to minority characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte De Schrijver
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Elizaveta Fomenko
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Krahé
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Alexis Dewaele
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Harb
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erick Janssen
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| | - Joz Motmans
- Transgender Infopunt, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre for Research on Culture and Gender, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital - Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Vander Beken
- Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy, Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Belgium, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Mollborn S, Limburg A, Everett BG. Mothers' Sexual Identity and Children's Health. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2022; 41:1217-1239. [PMID: 35934998 PMCID: PMC9355333 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-021-09688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual minority women face a plethora of structural, socioeconomic, and interpersonal disadvantages and stressors. Research has established negative associations between women's sexual minority identities and both their own health and their infants' birth outcomes. Yet a separate body of scholarship has documented similarities in the development and well-being of children living with same-sex couples relative to those living with similarly situated different-sex couples. This study sought to reconcile these literatures by examining the association between maternal sexual identity and child health at ages 5-18 using a US sample from the full population of children of sexual minority women, including those who identify as mostly heterosexual, bisexual, or lesbian, regardless of partner sex or gender. Analyses using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N=8,978) followed women longitudinally and examined several measures of their children's health, including general health and specific developmental and physical health conditions. Analyses found that children of mostly heterosexual and bisexual women experienced health disadvantages relative to children of heterosexual women, whereas the few children of lesbian women in our sample evidenced a mixture of advantages and disadvantages. These findings underscore that to understand sexual orientation disparities and the intergenerational transmission of health, it is important to incorporate broad measurement of sexual orientation that can capture variation in family forms and in sexual minority identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Mollborn
- Department of Sociology, Stockholm University
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Aubrey Limburg
- Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder
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13
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Batz F, Lermer E, Hatzler L, Vilsmaier T, Schröder L, Chelariu-Raicu A, Behr J, Mahner S, Buspavanich P, Thaler CJ. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Health in Cis Women Living in Germany. J Sex Med 2022; 19:907-922. [PMID: 35370105 PMCID: PMC8898699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary research shows a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's sexual health, whereby empirical work on sexual well-being of minoritized sexual identities is still rare. AIM The objective of this study was to explore sexual health in heterosexual, lesbian and bisexual cis women during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. METHODS An anonymous nationwide online survey was conducted among cis women during the first nationwide lockdown in Germany from April 20th to July 20th, 2020. The questionnaire was distributed via e-mail, online chats and social-media platforms. OUTCOMES Demographic variables and self-report measures from the Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-G) "before the pandemic" and "since the pandemic" were collected. RESULTS A total of 1,368 cis women participants were included: heterosexual women (n = 844), lesbian women (n = 293), bisexual women (n = 231). Results indicate overall decrease in frequency of sexual contacts and masturbation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding differences before and during the pandemic lesbian women showed significant changes in sexual arousal whereas heterosexual women showed significant changes in all dimensions except capability to enjoy sexual intercourse. The data of bisexual women showed significant changes in almost all dimensions except for frequency of sexual intercourse and sexual arousal. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that being younger than 36 years-old, and being in a relationship as well as being heterosexual (compared with being lesbian) is positively associated with general satisfaction with sexual life during the pandemic. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The findings suggest that during a pandemic sexual and mental health care for (cis) women should be provided and address the specific needs of sexual minority groups. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This is the first study to describe sexual behavior in heterosexual, lesbian and bisexual women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Limitations, however, include the fact that the data described were obtained at only one time point so there is a possibility of recall bias, and that the results cannot be generalized because of the underrepresentation of women over age 46. CONCLUSION This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social constraints on the sexual health of particular groups of lesbian and bisexual women, which may improve preparedness for future public health and policy crises. Batz F, Lermer E, Hatzler L, et al. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Health in Cis Women Living in Germany. J Sex Med 2022;19:907-922.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Batz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Lermer
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Germany; Applied Business and Media Psychology - Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Ansbach, Germany
| | - Laura Hatzler
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Gynecology and Breast Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theresa Vilsmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Lennard Schröder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Anca Chelariu-Raicu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Behr
- Research Department of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Joint Faculty of the University of Potsdam, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg and Brandenburg Medical School, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Pichit Buspavanich
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Joint Faculty of the University of Potsdam, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg and Brandenburg Medical School, Potsdam, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute Gender in Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian J Thaler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
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McCabe CJ, Hipwell AE, Keenan K, Stepp S, Chung T, King KM. Substance use and sexual minority status: examining the mediating roles of stress and emotion dysregulation in young adult women. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 9:1095-1114. [PMID: 35174009 PMCID: PMC8845084 DOI: 10.1177/2167702621999359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority women (SMW) report higher rates of substance use and disorder across the lifespan, and greater levels of minority stress in adolescence and young adulthood. Minority stress mediation models propose that higher levels of social stressors may increase emotion dysregulation, which in turn increases the propensity toward substance misuse. Few studies, however, have prospectively examined the impact of stressors and emotion dysregulation among SMW on early and escalating substance use. This longitudinal study examined whether emotion dysregulation and social stress mediated the association between sexual minority status and developing substance use (ages 17 through 22 years) in a sample of 2,201 heterosexual and 246 SMW participants in the Pittsburgh Girls Study. Results supported serial mediation processes of marijuana use risk: SMW reported higher levels of social stress in late adolescence, which in turn predicted greater emotion dysregulation that was associated with greater marijuana use by young adulthood.
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15
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Perales F, Campbell AK, Everett BG, McNair R, Hughes TL. Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Identifying as Mainly Heterosexual: Stability and Change across Three Cohorts of Australian Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3459-3477. [PMID: 34008060 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the ways in which sexual minorities identify have changed dramatically. In response, social and health surveys have begun offering a greater range of response options within sexual orientation questions-for example, intermediate categories for "mainly heterosexual" and "mainly lesbian/gay" alongside the more common response options of "heterosexual," "bisexual," and "lesbian/gay." Recent studies indicate that women who identify as "mainly heterosexual" report poorer health, greater health-risk behaviors, and higher rates of victimization than women identifying as "exclusively heterosexual." However, we know very little about the demographic profile of women who choose the "mainly heterosexual" identity label compared to the adjacent "exclusively heterosexual" or "bisexual" labels or about changes over time in the prevalence and correlates of "mainly heterosexual" identification. This study addressed these knowledge gaps by modeling unique, high-quality survey data from three national cohorts of Australian women (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, 2000-2017, n = 76,930 observations). Consistent with the facilitative environments model, we document stark cross-cohort increases in the percentage of Australian women identifying as "mainly heterosexual"-from ∼1% of those born in 1946-1951 to ∼26% of those born in 1989-1995, coinciding with comparable declines in the percentage of women identifying as "exclusively heterosexual." We also found evidence of cohort differences in the associations between key sociodemographic factors-such as age, education, and socioeconomic status-and the likelihood of women identifying as "mainly heterosexual." Finally, our results indicate that same-sex sexual attractions were more strongly associated with "mainly heterosexual" identification than was same-sex sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Perales
- School of Social Science, University of Queensland, Michie Building (#9), St Lucia Campus, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Alice K Campbell
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Ruth McNair
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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16
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Diamond LM. The New Genetic Evidence on Same-Gender Sexuality: Implications for Sexual Fluidity and Multiple Forms of Sexual Diversity. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:818-837. [PMID: 33620277 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1879721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In September of 2019, the largest-ever (N = 477,522) genome-wide-association study of same-gender sexuality was published in Science. The primary finding was that multiple genes are significantly associated with ever engaging in same-gender sexual behavior, accounting for between 8-25% of variance in this outcome. Yet an additional finding of this study, which received less attention, has more potential to transform our current understanding of same-gender sexuality: Specifically, the genes associated with ever engaging in same-gender sexual behavior differed from the genes associated with one's relative proportion of same-gender to other-gender behavior. I review recent research on sexual orientation and sexual fluidity to illustrate how these findings speak to longstanding questions regarding distinctions among subtypes of same-gender sexuality (such as mostly-heterosexuality, bisexuality, and exclusive same-gender experience). I conclude by outlining directions for future research on the multiple causes and correlates of same-gender expression.
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17
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Lorenz TK. Sexual excitation and sex-linked substance use predict overall cannabis use in mostly heterosexual and bisexual women. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2021; 47:433-443. [PMID: 34114916 PMCID: PMC8380726 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2021.1922429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Bisexual and mostly heterosexual women report higher substance use than exclusively heterosexual or lesbian women. In sexual minority men, sex-linked substance use (SLSU) can increase risk for substance use problems; equivalent research in women is lacking.Objectives: To test if sexual excitation and inhibition mediate the association between sexual minority status and women's SLSU.Methods: We surveyed a convenience sample of 595 undergraduate women who identified as exclusively heterosexual (n = 499), mostly heterosexual (n = 59), or bisexual (n = 37). Participants reported on their last month use of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs (e.g., cocaine) in sexual and non-sexual contexts, and symptoms of alcohol and non-alcohol drug use disorders (e.g., withdrawal symptoms). Drug use symptoms were collapsed across non-alcohol substances. We used structural equation modeling to test serial mediations of women's SLSU and overall drug and alcohol use.Results: Bisexual and mostly heterosexual women reported higher cannabis use (η2 = 0.030) and drug use disorder symptoms (η2 = 0.050) than heterosexual women. Mostly heterosexual women's SLSU was a stronger predictor of alcohol use (η2 = 0.019) and binge drinking frequency (η2 = 0.015) than for other orientation groups. Bisexual and mostly heterosexual women's higher sexual excitation predicted their higher SLSU, which in turn predicted higher cannabis use frequency and drug use disorder symptoms. However, sexual inhibition failed to mediate either SLSU or overall substance use.Conclusion: These findings point to SLSU as a mechanism by which sexual minority women may experience disparities in substance use related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology and Center for Brain, Biology & Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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18
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Maheux AJ, Bryen CP, Carrino EA, Stewart JL, Widman L, Choukas-Bradley S. Depressive symptoms among mostly heterosexual adolescents. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2020.1843583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne J. Maheux
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chloe P. Bryen
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Emily A. Carrino
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J. L. Stewart
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophia Choukas-Bradley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Lorenz TK. Relying on an "Other" Category Leads to Significant Misclassification of Sexual Minority Participants. LGBT Health 2021; 8:372-377. [PMID: 34097503 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study assessed which sexual minority participants selected "Other" if their identity was absent. Methods: This was an online survey; 905 participants saw a limited set of sexual orientation options (bisexual, gay/lesbian, heterosexual, other), and later in the same survey, saw an expanded list. Results: Twenty-one percent of participants chose different orientation labels across questions. When not presented with a "mostly heterosexual" option, 78% of mostly heterosexual participants chose "heterosexual"; 3% chose "other." However, when not presented with an "asexual" label, 100% of asexual participants chose "other." Conclusion: These findings suggest that "other" categories could misclassify a substantial proportion of sexual minority participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology and Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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20
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Rentería R, Benjet C, Gutierrez-Garcia RA, Ábrego Ramírez A, Albor Y, Borges G, Covarrubias Díaz Couder MA, Durán MDS, González González R, Guzmán Saldaña R, Hermosillo De la Torre AE, Martínez-Jerez AM, Martinez Martinez KI, Medina-Mora ME, Martínez Ruiz S, Paz Pérez MA, Pérez Tarango G, Zavala Berbena MA, Méndez E, Auerbach RP, Mortier P. Suicide thought and behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, and perceived life stress among sexual minority Mexican college students. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:891-898. [PMID: 33243555 PMCID: PMC7856251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority college students are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behaviors compared to heterosexual students. Minority stress theory proposes sexual minority individuals experience higher stress due to stigma. Using a sample of Mexican college students, this study tested perceived life stress as a mediator of suicide and self-injury outcomes across various sexual orientation groups. METHODS The sample of college students (N=7882) was recruited from nine Mexican universities as part of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative. Participants completed an online survey including demographic questions, measure of perceived life stress, suicide outcomes, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the past 12 months. RESULTS Logistic regression analyses revealed identifying as a sexual minority significantly predicted a higher likelihood of suicide ideation (ORs 2.05-3.00), suicide attempts (ORs 2.48-8.73), and NSSI (ORs 2.92-4.18) compared to heterosexual students reporting no same-gender attraction. Significant indirect effects from mediation path analyses showed perceived life stress mediated the relationship between a sexual minority identity and suicide ideation (range of proportion mediated 10.48-31.48%), attempts (10.48-31.48%), and NSSI (7.69-20.09%) across each group except among asexual students. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of the survey design precludes drawing causal inferences. CONCLUSION Findings from this study contribute to minority stress theory by elucidating the role of perceived life stress as a mediator of suicide ideation and attempts and NSSI among sexual minority college students. Clinical interventions may benefit in focusing on experiences of stress across various life areas when supporting sexual minority college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rentería
- Counseling & Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Corina Benjet
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Raúl A Gutierrez-Garcia
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Salamanca, Salamanca, Guanajuato, México
| | - Adrián Ábrego Ramírez
- Dirección de Investigación, Universidad Politécnica de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México; Dirección de Educación a Distancia, Universidad Cuauhtémoc, Plantel Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - Yesica Albor
- Departamento de Salud Púbica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Guilherme Borges
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - María Del Socorro Durán
- Dirección de Orientación y Desarrollo Educativo, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Campestre, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Rogaciano González González
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Salamanca, Salamanca, Guanajuato, México
| | - Rebeca Guzmán Saldaña
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Hidalgo, México
| | | | - Ana María Martínez-Jerez
- Facultad de Derecho y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. Tampico, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Kalina I Martinez Martinez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, México
| | - María Elena Medina-Mora
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - María Abigail Paz Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Salamanca, Salamanca, Guanajuato, México
| | - Gustavo Pérez Tarango
- Dirección de Orientación y Desarrollo Educativo, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Campestre, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - María Alicia Zavala Berbena
- Dirección de Orientación y Desarrollo Educativo, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, Campus Campestre, León, Guanajuato, México
| | - Enrique Méndez
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Randy P Auerbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Philippe Mortier
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
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Eisenberg ME, Lust K, Mathiason MA, Porta CM. Sexual Assault, Sexual Orientation, and Reporting Among College Students. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:62-82. [PMID: 29294876 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517726414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Research has demonstrated significantly higher rates of sexual assault victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer (LGBQ) students than heterosexual students, and the overwhelming majority of assaults are not reported to any official system. Given the potential for support services to provide valuable assistance and promote well-being after an assault, the present study explores whether LGBQ students report assaults at similar rates to heterosexual students. As part of the 2015 College Student Health Survey, 10,646 male and female college students at 2- and 4-year colleges in Minnesota provided data regarding sexual assault victimization; reporting to a health care provider, campus authority, police, or social contact; and sexual orientation (two items, including write-in). Chi-square tests were used to detect associations between sexual assault victimization and five sexual orientation groups; and between sexual orientation and assault reporting (for 523 assault incidents). Almost 6% of students reported that they had experienced sexual assault in the previous 12 months. Significant differences in assault experience were seen by sexual orientation groups, for both males and females. For example, rates of sexual assault were 2.5 to over 5 times higher among bisexual and queer/pansexual/other females than among heterosexual females. Reporting of sexual assault to health care providers, campus authorities or police was rare for both heterosexual and sexual minority students, and there were no significant differences in reporting across sexual orientation. LGBQ students and heterosexual students appear to be similarly comfortable accessing health care providers, police, and campus resources, suggesting that these services are not overtly biased or unwelcoming to sexual minorities. However, rates of sexual assault were considerably higher among sexual minority groups, suggesting a need for primary prevention that is appropriate and sensitive to the experiences of LGBQ students.
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Wicki M, Marmet S, Studer J, Epaulard O, Gmel G. Curvilinear associations between sexual orientation and problematic substance use, behavioural addictions and mental health among young Swiss men. Addict Behav 2021; 112:106609. [PMID: 32861992 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It is well documented that individuals with a minority sexual orientation face greater risks of problematic substance use (e.g. heavy episodic drinking, alcohol use disorder) and mental health problems. Far less is known about how that risk varies within this population and their risk of behavioural addictions. This study estimated the risks of problematic substance use, behavioural addiction and poor mental health across the spectrum of sexual orientation. SAMPLE AND METHOD A sample of young Swiss men (N = 5294; mean age = 25.5, SD = 1.25; representative of 21 of Switzerland's 26 cantons) completed a self-reporting questionnaire on sexual orientation (attraction, 5-point scale) and criterion variables: problematic substance use (e.g. alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis and other illegal drugs), behavioural addictions (gambling, gaming, cybersex, internet, smartphone, work, exercise) and indicators of mental health (e.g. depression, stress). Curvilinear associations between sexual orientation (heterosexual, mostly-heterosexual, bisexual, mostly-homosexual or homosexual individuals) and criterion variables were explored using fractional polynomial regressions. RESULTS Although there were differences across criterion variables, in general, the highest risks of problematic substance use, behavioural addictions and mental health problems were estimated for mostly-heterosexual, bisexual or mostly-homosexual men, followed by homosexual men, and with heterosexual men facing the lowest risk. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Aggregating the spectrum of sexual orientations into two or three distinct groups blurs important internal group differences. Outcome-specific explanations beyond minority stress and biphobia are necessary to understand the pathways between sexual orientation and risky behaviours. Considering sexual orientation is important to provide targeted healthcare prevention and interventions.
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Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Drabble L, Trocki KF, Hughes TL, Greenfield TK. Harm from Others' Drinking Among Sexual Minority Adults in the United States. LGBT Health 2020; 8:50-59. [PMID: 33337273 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Due to discrimination and stigma, sexual minority adults may be more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to experience harms from other people's drinking. We compared prevalence of second-hand alcohol harms for sexual minority and heterosexual adults in the United States. Methods: Data from the 2014-15 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (n = 5516; 10.2% sexual minority adults) were analyzed using logistic regression with survey weights to account for sampling and nonresponse. Multivariable models included simple main effects of sexual identity on the past-year harm outcomes, as well as interactions of drinker status with sexual identity. Results: In bivariate results stratified by sex, bisexual women were significantly more likely than heterosexual women to report all five types of harms. Lesbian respondents had greater odds relative to heterosexual women of reporting harm by a friend/coworker and assault or physical harm by a drinker. Bisexual identity among men was associated with greater odds of reporting assault/physical harm relative to heterosexual men in bivariate models. In adjusted models, differences by sexual identity were substantially reduced, with significance remaining only for friend/coworker-perpetrated harms and assault/physical harm among lesbian respondents compared with heterosexual women. For assault/physical harm, an interaction of sexual identity with the respondent's own drinking showed that the increased odds of harm associated with heavy drinking was even greater among sexual minority respondents (both bisexual and lesbian/gay respondents) than among heterosexual respondents. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of preventive interventions that consider disparities in risk for alcohol-related harms, particularly interpersonal violence, among sexual minority adults in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie Drabble
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA.,College of Health and Human Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Karen F Trocki
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas K Greenfield
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, California, USA
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Horwitz AG, Berona J, Busby DR, Eisenberg D, Zheng K, Pistorello J, Albucher R, Coryell W, Favorite T, Walloch JC, King CA. Variation in Suicide Risk among Subgroups of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:1041-1053. [PMID: 32291833 PMCID: PMC7981781 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual and gender minorities are at elevated risk for suicide, yet few studies have examined differences in risk within many sexual and gender minority subgroups. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in prevalence for suicide risk factors among a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. METHOD Forty-one thousand four hundred and twelve college students (62% cis-female, 37% cis-male, 1% transgender/genderqueer) completed a wellness screen that included four suicide risk factors (depression, heavy alcohol use, suicide ideation, suicide attempt). RESULTS Gender minority students (i.e., transgender, genderqueer/non-binary) had significantly higher rates of depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender peers, although there were no within-group differences among gender minority students. Adjusted odds ratios for endorsing two or more (2+) suicide risk factors were substantially higher for all sexual minority subgroups relative to heterosexuals. Among sexual minorities, those identifying as pansexual, bisexual, queer, or mostly gay/lesbian had greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to students identifying as mostly heterosexual, gay/lesbian, asexual, or 'other sexual minority'. Pansexual students had 33% greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to bisexual students. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight significant variation in suicide risk among sexual minority subgroups and the need for targeted interventions for subgroups at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johnny Berona
- University of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience
| | | | - Daniel Eisenberg
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Institute for Social Research
| | - Kai Zheng
- University of California, Irvine, School of Information and Computer Sciences
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The link between LGBTQ-supportive communities, progressive political climate, and suicidality among sexual minority adolescents in Canada. Prev Med 2020; 139:106191. [PMID: 32653353 PMCID: PMC8474062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite supportive structural changes to reduce stigma towards lesbian, gay, and bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) Canadian residents, sexual minority youth still face disparities compared to heterosexual peers. We aimed to characterize LGBTQ-supportive environments and political climates, and examine their links to suicidal behavior among sexual minority adolescents in western Canada. Data were from the 2013 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, a cluster-stratified random cross-sectional survey of public school students in BC, Canada; We sampled 2678 self-identified LGB and mostly heterosexual students (69% girls) from 274 schools, representing an estimated provincial population of 24,624 sexual minority students in weighted models. Student reports of past-year suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and self-harm behaviors were merged with community-level data assessing diverse aspects of LGBTQ-supportive resources and progressive political climates in communities surrounding the schools. Adjusted multilevel models showed that for sexual minority adolescent girls, higher community LGBTQ-supportiveness predicted marginally significant lower suicidal ideation (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.88, 1.01]) and suicidal attempts (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.83, 1.00]) and significantly lower self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.98]). Further, progressive political climates predicted marginally significant lower suicidal ideation (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.78, 1.02]) and significantly lower self-harm behaviors (aOR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.77, 0.99]). For sexual minority adolescent boys, no community-level variables were associated with suicidal behavior in adjusted models. Thus, LGBTQ-supportive communities and progressive political climates appear to be protective against suicidal behavior among sexual minority adolescent girls, but not sexual minority adolescent boys.
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Everett BG, Turner B, Hughes TL, Veldhuis CB, Paschen-Wolff M, Phillips G. Sexual Orientation Disparities in Pregnancy Risk Behaviors and Pregnancy Among Sexually Active Teenage Girls: Updates from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. LGBT Health 2020; 6:342-349. [PMID: 31618165 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which sexual identity and/or sexual behaviors were associated with pregnancy risk factors (condom use, alcohol or other drug use before sex, and World Health Organization [WHO] Tier 1 [i.e., intrauterine device, implant] or Tier 2 [i.e., injectable, pill, patch, or ring] contraception use) and teen pregnancy among female high school students who reported having a sexual relationship with a male partner. Methods: Data were from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; 2005-2015) (n = 63,313). Logistic regression was used to analyze sexual identity and behavior disparities in pregnancy risk behaviors and teen pregnancy. Interactions between sexual identity and behavior were also tested. All models adjusted for the YRBS complex sampling frame. Results: Girls who reported being unsure of their sexual identity were less likely to use condoms or a WHO Tier 1 or Tier 2 contraceptive method at last sex, and more likely to report alcohol or other drug use at last sex than heterosexual girls. Girls who identified as lesbian were also less likely to use a condom at last sex, and girls who reported both male and female sexual partners were more likely to report alcohol or other drug use and less likely to use condoms at last sex. Girls who identified as bisexual were more likely to report pregnancy during teenage years than girls who identified as heterosexual. Conclusion: Our results support the need to assess both sexual identity and sexual behavior in research on teen pregnancy and pregnancy risk. Furthermore, the finding that girls who were unsure of their sexual identity showed heightened risk highlights the need for additional research that includes this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blair Turner
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Margaret Paschen-Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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Swiatlo AD, Kahn NF, Halpern CT. Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among Young Adult Sexual Minorities. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 52:97-105. [PMID: 32462714 PMCID: PMC7669537 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minority young adults has been understudied, and victimization and perpetration estimates are needed. METHODS Data on 13,653 women and men aged 24-32 who participated in Wave 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to examine associations between sexual orientation and IPV perpetration and victimization in respondents' current or most recent relationship. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between respondent characteristics and three IPV categories (physical violence, threatened violence and forced sex). RESULTS Some 94% of males and 80% of females identified as 100% heterosexual; 4% of males and 16% of females as mostly heterosexual; 1% of males and 2% of females as bisexual; and 2% of males and females as either mostly homosexual or 100% homosexual. Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, mostly heterosexual women were more likely to report having perpetrated or been a victim of physical IPV (odds ratios, 1.9 and 1.6, respectively), having threatened violence (2.0) and having been a victim of threatened violence and forced sex (1.6 for each); mostly heterosexual males were more likely to have been a perpetrator or victim of physical IPV (3.1 and 1.8, respectively) and a perpetrator of forced sex and threatened violence (2.0 and 1.8, respectively). Bisexual males had elevated odds of physical violence victimization (3.3) and forced sex victimization (4.9) and perpetration (5.0). CONCLUSIONS Some sexual minority groups are disproportionately affected by IPV, indicating a need for increased prevention efforts and for studies exploring the mechanisms underlying these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Swiatlo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nicole F Kahn
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Carolyn T Halpern
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority individuals consistently report higher rates of mental disorder than heterosexuals. However, much of the research has methodological limitations related to the classification of sexuality, the use of cross-sectional data and problematic sampling procedures such as using convenience samples. METHODS We used longitudinal data from a birth cohort enrolled in the Christchurch Health and Development Study (n = 1040). Latent class analysis was used to classify participants sexuality based on self-report data of sexual behaviour, attraction, identity and fantasy, gathered over five assessments between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Mental health and substance use outcome data were gathered at four assessments between the ages of 21 and 35 years. Potential covariate variables were collected during childhood. RESULTS The latent class analysis identified four groups interpreted as: 'heterosexual' 82%, 'mostly heterosexual' 12.6%, 'bisexual' 3.5% and 'gay/lesbian' 1.9%. In the sexual minority groups, women outnumbered men by at least 2:1. Pooled rates for mental health disorders of depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, cannabis abuse and total disorders, after adjustment for childhood covariate variables, were significantly higher in the sexual minority groups (p < 0.01). The strength of association between sexuality group and mental health outcomes did not differ according to sex. Fluidity in sexuality reports appeared unrelated to risk of mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Over the life course, membership of a sexual minority group is clearly associated with mental health problems of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation regardless of the age when same-sex attraction, behaviour, identity or fantasy is expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Spittlehouse
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - J M Boden
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - L J Horwood
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Lippa RA. Interest, Personality, and Sexual Traits That Distinguish Heterosexual, Bisexual, and Homosexual Individuals: Are There Two Dimensions That Underlie Variations in Sexual Orientation? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:607-622. [PMID: 31989410 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01643-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A diverse U.S. sample comprising 1437 men and 1474 women was assessed on sexual orientation, masculinity-femininity of occupational preferences (MF-Occ), self-ascribed masculinity-femininity (Self-MF), Big Five personality traits, sex drive, and sociosexuality (positive attitudes toward uncommitted sex). Discriminant analyses explored which traits best distinguished self-identified heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual individuals within each sex. These analyses correctly classified the sexual orientation of 55% of men and 60% of women, which was substantially better than a chance rate (33%) of assigning participants to one of three groups. For men, MF-Occ and Self-MF distinguished heterosexual, bisexual, and gay men, with heterosexual men most gender typical, gay men most gender atypical, and bisexual men intermediate. Independently, higher sex drive, sociosexuality, and neuroticism and lower conscientiousness distinguished bisexual men from other groups. For women, gender-related interests and Self-MF distinguished lesbians from other groups, with lesbians most gender atypical. Independently, higher sociosexuality, sex drive, and Self-MF distinguished non-heterosexual from heterosexual women. These findings suggest that variations in self-reported sexual orientation may be conceptualized in terms of two broad underlying individual difference dimensions, which differ somewhat for men and women: one linked to gender typicality versus gender atypicality and the other linked to sex drive, sociosexuality, and various personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Lippa
- Psychology Department, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 92836, USA.
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30
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-heterosexual populations experience poorer mental health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts. Few studies, however, have examined how mental health varies across the continuum of sexual orientation. Nor has any study examined possible links between sexual orientation and traits of impulsivity and compulsivity, which contribute to functional impairment across a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. To address these limitations, the present study sought to identify addictive and impulsive/compulsive problems associated with sexuality in a university sample. METHODS A 156-item anonymous survey was distributed via email to 9449 students at a public university in the United States. Sexual orientation was assessed using the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid, a modification of the Kinsey scale. Current use of alcohol and drugs, mental health status, and academic performance were also assessed, along with valid trait measures of impulsivity and compulsivity. RESULTS Same-sex attractions were significantly correlated with a range of mental health problems and substance use. Additionally, same-sex attraction was significantly correlated with certain behavioral addictions (compulsive sexual behavior and binge eating disorder) as well as impulsive/compulsive traits. There was no relationship between academic performance and sexual attraction. CONCLUSION Same-sex sexuality is associated with impulsive/compulsive behavior and addiction. These health disparities may be related to stable individual differences in self-control.
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31
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Stewart JL, Spivey LA, Widman L, Choukas-Bradley S, Prinstein MJ. Developmental patterns of sexual identity, romantic attraction, and sexual behavior among adolescents over three years. J Adolesc 2019; 77:90-97. [PMID: 31693971 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents are heterogeneous in how they define and experience their sexual orientation, which can include specific identity labels, romantic attractions, and other- and/or same-sex sexual behavior. These three components of sexual orientation are not always concordant, and studies suggest adolescents-particularly girls-are fluid in these dimensions of orientation over time. The current study examined: 1) fluidity in adolescent girls' and boys' self-labeled identities and romantic attractions over time, and 2) patterns of adolescent girls' and boys' self-labeled identities and romantic attractions as they coincide with sexual behavior. METHODS Surveys were administered to adolescents in three low-income high schools in the rural Southeastern U.S. at three yearly intervals (n = 744; Mage = 15.0; 54.3% girls; 48% White, 24% Hispanic/Latinx, 21% Black/African American). Participants reported their self-labeled sexual identity and romantic attraction at each time point and their lifetime sexual behavior with girls and boys at year 3. RESULTS Results revealed 26% of girls and 11% of boys reported fluidity in identity and 31% of girls and 10% of boys reported fluidity in attractions. At each time point, up to 20% of girls and 6% of boys reported a sexual minority identity label with concurrent same-sex attraction; the majority of these participants also reported same-sex behavior. Among heterosexual-identified participants reporting some degree of same-sex attraction at year 3, approximately 66% of girls and 10% of boys reported same-sex behavior. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that many adolescents are nuanced and dynamic in how they identify and experience their developing sexualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Stewart
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Leigh A Spivey
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | | | - Mitchell J Prinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Fischer MM, Kalmijn M, Steinmetz S. The social integration of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals: Exploring the role of the municipal context. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2019; 84:102320. [PMID: 31674328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines possible differences between lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (LGBs) compared to heterosexuals with respect to their integration into the residential neighbourhood. By means of a multi-level analysis, we examine if there is a gap in social integration between LGBs compared to heterosexuals, and if so, to what extent municipality characteristics can account for variations in this gap. Specifically, we test a cultural hypothesis (i.e., how liberal or conservative the cultural climate is) and a social hypothesis (i.e., how large the share of LGBs is). In total, we analyse 7,320 LGBs and 114,298 heterosexual respondents from four pooled waves of the Dutch Safety Monitor (2012-2015). We link these individual level data to an external survey, which allows the measurement of the cultural climate in each municipality. Overall, we found little evidence that there is an integration gap between LGBs and heterosexuals in the Netherlands as a whole. We find some support for the social hypothesis and no support for the cultural hypothesis. The analyses highlight the particular role of Amsterdam. While both heterosexuals and LGBs are less integrated in Amsterdam compared to less urbanized areas, this is more so the case for heterosexuals. The social integration among LGBs does not drop as sharply as it does among heterosexuals, suggesting that LGBs also benefit socially from living in Amsterdam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam M Fischer
- German Institute for Economic Research, Mohrestrasse 58, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of Amsterdam Nieuwe Achtergracht, 1661018, WV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs Kalmijn
- University of Amsterdam Nieuwe Achtergracht, 1661018, WV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Stephanie Steinmetz
- University of Amsterdam Nieuwe Achtergracht, 1661018, WV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Lausanne Quartier UNIL-Mouline Bâtiment Géopolis, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Pitagora DA. Pleasure, Power, or Both? Heteronormativity, Stigma, and the Intersections of BDSM and Anoreceptive Heterosexual Males. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022167819882148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the direct connection between anal sex and pleasure, the majority of academic literature frames anal sex in terms of homophobia and/or disease. In the large body of literature on anal sex, only two academic articles have been published on anoreceptive heterosexual males (ARHMs), despite evidence of this type of sexuality dating back to Ancient Egypt and Greece. A review of the literature suggests that the lack of empirical research on ARHMs is due to compulsory heteronormativity, which can instill sexual shame in those with nonconforming sexual preferences. Some ARHMs are BDSM-oriented, and given that BDSM behavior and identity are also stigmatized, BDSM-oriented ARHMs have an additional concealable status that is subject to prejudice. Skills such as higher level communication and self-reflection often inform BDSM interactions and relationship structures, therefore, BDSM-oriented ARHMs may have more opportunity to develop skills to offset shame and stigma, and may take pride as well as pleasure in subverting traditionally heteronormative anoreception roles.
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Franco M, Toomey T, DeBlaere C, Rice K. Identity incongruent discrimination, racial identity, and mental health for multiracial individuals. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2019.1663788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Lorenz TK. Brief Report: Sexual Wellbeing in Heterosexual, Mostly Heterosexual, and Bisexually Attracted Men and Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2019; 31:339-349. [PMID: 33968289 PMCID: PMC8101983 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2019.1628156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess differences in sexual wellbeing among men and women with exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, and bisexual attractions. METHOD An anonymous online survey in a convenience sample of 597 young adults (394 women, 203 men; average age = 20.04) assessed patterns of sexual attraction, desire, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction using validated questionnaires. RESULTS Individuals with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher solitary sexual desire than exclusively heterosexual individuals (women: d = 0.64; men: d = 0.68). Partnered sexual desire did not differ between groups. Women with exclusively heterosexual attractions reported significantly higher sexual functioning and satisfaction than either mostly heterosexual or bisexually attracted women (functioning: d = 0.29; satisfaction: d = 0.47). Men with mostly heterosexual attractions reported significantly lower sexual functioning than either exclusively heterosexual or bisexually attracted men (d = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS There were significant differences between exclusively vs. mostly heterosexual individuals in several aspects of sexual wellbeing, supporting the assertion that mostly heterosexual may constitute a distinct orientation. Taken together with prior research showing higher rates of sexual dysfunction in bisexual women, these findings highlight sexual health disparities among nonmonosexual women. Efforts to support the sexual wellbeing of sexual minority individuals should include consideration of mostly heterosexual individuals, as this population may have unique sexual health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tierney K Lorenz
- Department of Psychology and Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraksa, USA
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Luoto S, Krams I, Rantala MJ. A Life History Approach to the Female Sexual Orientation Spectrum: Evolution, Development, Causal Mechanisms, and Health. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1273-1308. [PMID: 30229521 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Women's capacity for sexual fluidity is at least as interesting a phenomenon from the point of view of evolutionary biology and behavioral endocrinology as exclusively homosexual orientation. Evolutionary hypotheses for female nonheterosexuality have failed to fully account for the existence of these different categories of nonheterosexual women, while also overlooking broader data on the causal mechanisms, physiology, ontogeny, and phylogeny of female nonheterosexuality. We review the evolutionary-developmental origins of various phenotypes in the female sexual orientation spectrum using the synergistic approach of Tinbergen's four questions. We also present femme-specific and butch-specific hypotheses at proximate and ultimate levels of analysis. This review article indicates that various nonheterosexual female phenotypes emerge from and contribute to hormonally mediated fast life history strategies. Life history theory provides a biobehavioral explanatory framework for nonheterosexual women's masculinized body morphology, psychological dispositions, and their elevated likelihood of experiencing violence, substance use, obesity, teenage pregnancy, and lower general health. This pattern of life outcomes can create a feedback loop of environmental unpredictability and harshness which destabilizes intrauterine hormonal conditions in mothers, leading to a greater likelihood of fast life history strategies, global health problems, and nonheterosexual preferences in female offspring. We further explore the potential of female nonheterosexuality to function as an alloparental buffer that enables masculinizing alleles to execute their characteristic fast life history strategies as they appear in the female and the male phenotype. Synthesizing life history theory with the female sexual orientation spectrum enriches existing scientific knowledge on the evolutionary-developmental mechanisms of human sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of Auckland, Arts 1, Building 206, Room 616, 14A Symonds St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Indrikis Krams
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology & Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Mays VM, Juster RP, Williamson TJ, Seeman TE, Cochran SD. Chronic Physiologic Effects of Stress Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Psychosom Med 2019; 80:551-563. [PMID: 29952935 PMCID: PMC6214815 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social disadvantage is associated with markers of physiological dysregulation, which is linked to disease trajectories. Chronic experiences with discrimination are thought to result in the accumulation of physiological "wear and tear" known as allostatic load (AL) among socially marginalized populations such as sexual minorities. Using a nationally representative US sample, we examined whether (1) people who self-identified as homosexual or bisexual display higher levels of AL than heterosexual individuals and (2) subgroups of sexual identity would further differ from each other as a consequence of distinct experiences of marginalization. METHODS We use data from the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Employing multivariate regression methods with sex-specific analyses, we examined AL score differences among lesbian/gay (n = 211), bisexual (n = 307), homosexually experienced (n = 424), and exclusively heterosexual (n = 12,969) individuals, adjusting for possible confounding due to demographics, health indicators, and, among men, HIV infection status. RESULTS Results indicate that elevated AL was more common in bisexual men compared with exclusively heterosexual men (adjusted β = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05 to 0.44), with significantly higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (adjusted odd ratio = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.46-7.92) and systolic blood pressure (adjusted odd ratio = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.02 to 4.18). Gay-identified men evidenced significantly lower AL (adjusted β = -0.22, 95% CI = -0.41 to -0.04). No significant differences in AL were observed among women. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that physiological dysregulation is more common in bisexual males compared with all other men. The results are discussed with regard to differences in health outcomes between individuals with different sexual orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickie M Mays
- From the Departments of Psychology and Health Policy and Management (Mays), Fielding School of Public Health University of California, Los Angeles; University of Montreal, Department of Psychiatry and Addiction (Juster), Montreal; University of California, Los Angeles (Williamson); UCLA School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public Health (Seeman), University of California, Los Angeles; and Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health and Department of Statistics (Cochran), University of California, Los Angeles
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38
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Martin-Storey A, Temcheff C, Laventure M, Lévesque G. Différences en matière de santé mentale selon le statut de minorité sexuelle. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2019. [DOI: 10.7202/1060275ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectif Les individus provenant d’une minorité sexuelle rapportent plus de problèmes de santé mentale que les individus ayant une identité hétérosexuelle. Or, la majorité des recherches canadiennes sur ce sujet ont été réalisées il y a plusieurs années, bien avant les changements culturels et légaux concernant la population lesbienne, gay et bisexuelle. Ces changements culturels, sociaux et légaux ont sans aucun doute influencé le portrait clinique de cette population. Cette étude vise à identifier les différences en santé mentale chez les gens qui sont issus ou non de minorités sexuelles.
Méthode Un échantillon régionalement représentatif d’adultes en Estrie, Québec (n = 10 687) a participé à un sondage téléphonique. Pour ce faire, les participants devaient répondre à des questions concernant leur identité sexuelle et la présence de problèmes de santé mentale incluant la détresse psychologique, la dépression, et de problèmes de surconsommation d’alcool et de drogues.
Résultats Les résultats ont indiqué plusieurs différences significatives entre les individus appartenant à une minorité sexuelle et les individus hétérosexuels. Les différences sont surtout observées lorsque les individus bisexuels ou principalement hétérosexuels sont comparés aux individus hétérosexuels. La majorité de ces différences sont principalement expliquées par les variables de contrôle (l’âge, le niveau d’éducation, le revenu et le fait d’appartenir à une minorité visible).
Conclusions Ces résultats suggèrent l’importance d’atténuer les différences sociodémographiques pour améliorer la santé mentale chez les individus issus d’une minorité sexuelle. Les vulnérabilités spécifiques des individus ayant une identité bisexuelle et principalement hétérosexuelle devraient être davantage considérées.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Martin-Storey
- Professeure agrégée, membre du GRISE, Chaire de recherche du Canada sur la stigmatisation et le développement psychosocial, et Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke
| | - Caroline Temcheff
- Professeure agrégée, membre du GRISE, Departement of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University
| | - Myriam Laventure
- Professeure titulaire, Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke
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Wilson MN, Asbridge M, Woolcott C, Langille DB. Sexual orientation and alcohol-related harms in Canadian youth. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2019; 109:233-241. [PMID: 29981031 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-018-0032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine associations between experiencing alcohol-related harm, sex, and sexual orientation among Canadian high school students. METHODS We used data from the 2012 Atlantic Student Drug Use Survey (ASDUS), including a comprehensive six-category measure of sexual orientation and nine different alcohol-related harms for analyses. Simple logistic regression was used to determine the association between experiencing any of the nine harms and each specific alcohol-related harm and sexual orientation, stratified by sex. Analysis was limited to those who indicated they had consumed alcohol in the year prior to the survey. RESULTS High rates of having any alcohol-related harm were seen among both males (41.7%) and females (46.0%) attending Atlantic Canadian high schools. Mostly heterosexual males had a lower odds ratio for experiencing any alcohol-related harm compared to heterosexual males. Mostly heterosexual females and bisexual females had higher odds ratios for experiencing any alcohol-related harm than heterosexual females. CONCLUSIONS High rates of alcohol-related harm in this population suggest that youth may benefit from a harm reduction approach to alcohol use. While we found that mostly heterosexual and bisexual female youth experience higher levels of alcohol-related harm than heterosexual females, further research is required to confirm this association and to determine its relevance to harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Wilson
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Clinical Research Centre 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada.
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Clinical Research Centre 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Christy Woolcott
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Donald B Langille
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Clinical Research Centre 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada
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40
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Feinstein BA, Dyar C, Pachankis JE. A Multilevel Approach for Reducing Mental Health and Substance Use Disparities Affecting Bisexual Individuals. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2019; 26:243-253. [PMID: 31160876 PMCID: PMC6544045 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite bisexual individuals being at increased risk for mental health and substance use problems, clinicians' ability to provide affirmative and competent care to bisexual clients is limited by their lack of bisexual-specific training. To address this common gap in training, this article provides a brief review of bisexual health disparities and the factors that influence them. Then, we describe a multi-level approach for improving the health and well-being of bisexual individuals. This approach addresses factors that influence health at the micro-level (e.g., strategies that clinicians can use to help bisexual clients cope with stigma-related stressors), mezzo-level (e.g., adaptations to clinical environments and training programs that promote bisexual-affirmative care), and macro-level (e.g., advocating for political change and implementing strategies to reduce prejudice against bisexual individuals at the population-level). Specifically, we describe how clinicians can adapt evidence-based interventions to tailor them to the needs of their bisexual clients. Additionally, we discuss the need for bisexual-affirmative clinical training and provide recommendations for how clinical training can be adapted to prepare clinicians to work effectively with bisexual clients. Finally, we describe how population-level interventions can be used to reduce prejudice against bisexual individuals in order to reduce bisexual health disparities. Given the striking health disparities affecting bisexual individuals, there is a critical need to develop, test, and disseminate interventions to improve the health of this population and to prepare clinicians to provide bisexual-affirmative care.
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41
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Savin-Williams RC. Sexual Orientation: Categories or Continuum? Commentary on Bailey et al. (2016). Psychol Sci Public Interest 2019; 17:37-44. [PMID: 27113561 DOI: 10.1177/1529100616637618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bailey et al. (2016) have provided an excellent, state-of-the-art overview that is a major contribution to our understanding of sexual orientation. However, whereas Bailey and his coauthors have examined the physiological, behavioral, and self-report data of sexual orientation and see categories, I see a sexual and romantic continuum. After noting several objections concerning the limitations of the review and methodological shortcomings characteristic of sexual-orientation research in general, I present evidence from research investigating in-between sexualities to support an alternative, continuum-based perspective regarding the nature of sexual orientation for both women and men. A continuum conceptualization has potential implications for investigating the prevalence of nonheterosexuals, sexual-orientation differences in gender nonconformity, causes of sexual orientation, and political issues.
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Veldhuis CB, Hughes TL, Drabble L, Wilsnack SC, Riggle EDB, Rostosky SS. Relationship Status and Drinking-Related Outcomes in a Community Sample of Lesbian and Bisexual Women. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2019; 36:244-268. [PMID: 30581248 PMCID: PMC6298438 DOI: 10.1177/0265407517726183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although marriage tends to be protective against hazardous drinking among women in the general population, few studies have compared drinking rates, levels, or problems based on relationship status among sexual minority women (SMW; lesbian, bisexual). We examined associations between relationship status (committed relationship/cohabiting; committed/not cohabiting; single) and past-year drinking outcomes using data from a diverse sample of 696 SMW interviewed in wave 3 of the 17-year longitudinal Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The mean age of SMW in the sample was 40.01 (SD = 14.15; range 18-82). A little more than one-third (37%) of the sample was white, 36% was African American, and 23% Latina; 4% reported another or multi- race/ethnicity. Compared to SMW in committed cohabiting relationships, single SMW were significantly more likely to be heavy drinkers. SMW in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report alcohol-related problem consequences, and both single SMW and those in committed non-cohabiting relationships were more likely to report one or more symptoms of potential alcohol dependence. Findings underscore the importance of exploring relationship factors that may influence drinking and drinking-related problems among SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy B Veldhuis
- Center for Research on Women and Gender, University of Illinois at Chicago
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
- School of Nursing, Columbia University
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- Center for Research on Women and Gender, University of Illinois at Chicago
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
- School of Nursing, Columbia University
| | | | - Sharon C Wilsnack
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota
| | - Ellen D B Riggle
- Political Science and Gender and Women's Studies, University of Kentucky
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43
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Calzo JP, Austin SB, Micali N. Sexual orientation disparities in eating disorder symptoms among adolescent boys and girls in the UK. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:1483-1490. [PMID: 29550905 PMCID: PMC6141356 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Much of the research on sexual orientation disparities in eating disorder behaviors has been conducted in the USA, Canada, and Australia. Data on the associations of sexual orientation and eating disorder symptoms among adolescents in the UK are lacking. Participants were children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a youth cohort born 1991-1992 (n = 5048; 53% female; 12% sexual minority). Sexual orientation was assessed at 16 years. Eating disorder symptoms were assessed at 14 and 16 years. Multivariable regression models (adjusting for BMI, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) examined associations between sexual orientation and (1) odds of past-year purging and binge eating, and (2) mean differences in body dissatisfaction, pressure to increase muscularity (boys only), and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire subscales. At age 14, gay and bisexual boys and mostly heterosexual girls reported greater body dissatisfaction than their same-gender heterosexual peers. All sexual minority boys and mostly heterosexual girls reported greater mean dysfunctional eating behaviors than their same-gender heterosexual peers. At age 16, gay and bisexual boys had 12.5 times the odds of heterosexual boys of binge eating; mostly heterosexual boys had over three times the odds of reporting binge eating. Sexual minority girls had over twice the odds of heterosexual girls of purging and binge eating. By mid-adolescence, sexual minority youth in the UK had elevated risk for eating disorder symptoms, suggesting the need for early prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel P. Calzo
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA,Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence: Jerel P. Calzo, Ph.D., MPH, Division of Health Promotion & Behavioral Science, SDSU Graduate School of Public Health, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182-4162. Phone: 619-594-2390. Fax: 619-594-6112.
| | - S. Bryn Austin
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nadia Micali
- Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, England, UK,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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McCormack M, Savin-Williams R. Young men's rationales for non-exclusive gay sexualities. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2018; 20:929-944. [PMID: 29171795 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1398349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests it is useful to distinguish sexual identities among young men at the gay end of the spectrum because of group differences between primarily gay, mostly gay and gay orientations on several assessed physiological, behavioural and self-report measures. However, little is known about individuals' rationales for choosing sexuality labels beyond traditional gay or bisexual categories. We addressed this issue by interviewing 24 young men with a non-exclusive gay orientation about their sexual desires and histories, drawing on both qualitative and numeric data. Undertaking an inductive analysis, we found four distinct rationales for identification with a sexual orientation label: sexual, romantic, intellectual and internalised homophobia. By examining what young men mean when they classify themselves as primarily gay, mostly gay or bisexual-leaning gay, this article provides data to understand these issues and proposes that greater focus should be placed on sexual identity for non-exclusive gay men. Although the sexual and affectional components of sexual orientation are meaningful, previous research has not sufficiently accounted for the importance of intellectual, cultural and romantic factors in non-exclusive sexual orientations. To address these issues, the use of in-depth interviews should be incorporated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark McCormack
- a Department of Social Science , University of Roehampton , London , UK
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45
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Timmins L, Rimes KA, Rahman Q. Minority stressors, rumination, and psychological distress in monozygotic twins discordant for sexual minority status. Psychol Med 2018; 48:1705-1712. [PMID: 29108521 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171700321x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals report higher levels of depression and anxiety than heterosexual people. Genetic factors may be a 'common cause' of sexual minority status and psychological distress. Alternatively, these may be correlated because of non-genetic environmental factors (e.g. minority stressors). This study investigated minority stressors and distress in monozygotic twins discordant for sexual minority status. This design provides a test of the role of non-shared environmental factors while minimizing differences due to genetics. METHODS Thirty-eight twin pairs in which one was heterosexual and the other was LGB completed a survey. Differences between twin pairs in minority stressors, rumination, psychological distress, and gender non-conformity were examined. Associations between these variables were also tested. RESULTS Although there were no significant group differences for distress, LGB twins had higher rumination, a vulnerability factor for distress, than heterosexual co-twins. LGB twins also had higher scores than heterosexual co-twins on expectations of rejection, active concealment, self-stigma, prejudice events, childhood gender non-conformity, and lower scores on sexual orientation disclosure. Differences between twin pairs in rumination were positively associated with differences in acceptance concerns and self-stigma. Finally, self-stigma was positively associated with rumination in the full sample of heterosexual co-twins and microaggressions were positively associated with rumination when looking at exclusively heterosexual co-twins. CONCLUSIONS These results support environmental factors as a causal explanation for disparities in rumination between LGB and heterosexual individuals. These factors likely include minority stressors. Rumination may also be associated with minority stressors in heterosexual MZ co-twins of LGB individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Timmins
- Department of Psychology,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,5th Floor, Bermondsey Wing,Guy's Hospital Campus,London SE1 9RT,UK
| | - Katharine A Rimes
- Department of Psychology,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,5th Floor, Bermondsey Wing,Guy's Hospital Campus,London SE1 9RT,UK
| | - Qazi Rahman
- Department of Psychology,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London,5th Floor, Bermondsey Wing,Guy's Hospital Campus,London SE1 9RT,UK
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46
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Antebi-Gruszka N, Schrimshaw EW. Negative Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Behavior Inventory: An Internalized Homonegativity Measure for Research with Bisexual, Gay, and other Non-Gay Identified Men who have Sex with Men. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2018; 5:156-168. [PMID: 30746386 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evidence exists about the negative role of internalized homonegativity on the health and well-being of lesbian women and gay men. However, existing measures of internalized homonegativity assume a gay or lesbian sexual identity ("I wish I wasn't gay") and therefore may be inappropriate for non-gay identified individuals, including bisexual people. Therefore, we developed and tested the psychometric properties of the Negative Attitudes Towards Same-Sex Behavior Inventory (NATSBI) which was designed to assess one's negative attitudes towards their same-sex behavior, regardless of their self-identification. Using data from an ethnically-diverse sample of 203 non-gay identified behaviorally-bisexual men, we examined the factor structure, construct validity, and reliability of the NATSBI. A factor analysis of the NATSBI yielded three subscales: (1) personal homonegativity, (2) disclosure discomfort, and (3) privacy preference, with very good internal consistency reliability estimates for both subscales (α = .90, α = .89, and α = .84, respectively). The reliability was also strong within each of various demographic subgroups within the sample (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, sexual identity). The correlations of the NATSBI with various constructs (e.g., self-esteem, depression, emotional support) provided evidence of the concurrent (i.e., construct) validity of the NATSBI. These findings on the reliability and validity of the NATSBI suggest that it is possible to assess internalized homonegativity based on sexual behavior rather than assuming specific sexual identity labels. As such, we propose the NATSBI for use in studies that focus on bisexual and other non-gay-identified MSM, as well as studies that anticipate including non-gay-identified MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav Antebi-Gruszka
- Mental Health Counseling, Department of Psychology, City College of New York, CUNY, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Eric W Schrimshaw
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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47
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Ross LE, Manley MH, Goldberg AE, Januwalla A, Williams K, Flanders CE. Characterizing non-monosexual women at risk for poor mental health outcomes: A mixed methods study. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2017; 108:e296-e305. [PMID: 28910253 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.108.5884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-monosexual women - those who report attraction to or sexual relationships with individuals of more than one gender - have elevated risk for poor mental health outcomes. We aimed to examine which elements of non-monosexual experience are associated with this elevated risk. METHODS We conducted a sequential exploratory mixed methods analysis of qualitative interview and survey data from 39 non-monosexual women recruited consecutively through prenatal care providers. Qualitative analyses identified distinguishing features, and quantitative analyses tested associations between these features and mental health symptoms. RESULTS Nine qualitative themes were identified to describe distinguishing features of non-monosexual women. Of these, current and past five years partner gender, lack of LGBTQ community connection, and low centrality of sexual minority identity were associated with anxiety symptoms. Latent class analysis revealed significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms among non-monosexual women partnered with men relative to those partnered with women. CONCLUSION Sexual minority women who partner with men may be particularly at risk for poor mental health. Considering this group's invisibility in public health research and practice, interventions are needed to address this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori E Ross
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 560, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada. .,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | - Alia Januwalla
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 560, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Keisha Williams
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 560, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Corey E Flanders
- Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
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48
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Katz-Wise SL, Rosario M, Calzo JP, Scherer EA, Sarda V, Austin SB. Associations of Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones and Other Sexual Minority Stressors with Internalizing Mental Health Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Young Adults. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1441-1452. [PMID: 28271349 PMCID: PMC5489360 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-0964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minorities (mostly heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian/gay) are more likely than heterosexuals to have adverse mental health, which may be related to minority stress. We used longitudinal data from 1461 sexual minority women and men, aged 22-30 years, from Wave 2010 of the Growing Up Today Study, to examine associations between sexual minority stressors and mental health. We hypothesized that sexual minority stressors (earlier timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones categorized into early adolescence, middle adolescence, late adolescence/young adulthood; greater sexual orientation mobility; more bullying victimization) would be positively associated with mental health outcomes (depressive and anxious symptoms). Linear regression models stratified by gender and sexual orientation were fit via generalized estimating equations and controlled for age and race/ethnicity. Models were fit for each stressor predicting each mental health outcome. Reaching sexual minority milestones in early versus middle adolescence was associated with greater depressive and anxious symptoms among lesbians and gay men. Reaching sexual minority milestones in late adolescence/young adulthood versus middle adolescence was associated with greater depressive symptoms among lesbians, but fewer depressive and anxious symptoms among gay men. Greater sexual orientation mobility was associated with greater depressive symptoms among mostly heterosexual women. More bullying victimization was associated with greater depressive symptoms among bisexual women and with greater anxious symptoms among mostly heterosexual women. Sexual minority stressors are associated with adverse mental health among some sexual minority young adults. More research is needed to understand what may be protecting some subgroups from the mental health effects of sexual minority stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra L Katz-Wise
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Margaret Rosario
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York-City College and Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jerel P Calzo
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Emily A Scherer
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Vishnudas Sarda
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - S Bryn Austin
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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49
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Semenyna SW, Belu CF, Vasey PL, Lynne Honey P. Not Straight and Not Straightforward: the Relationships Between Sexual Orientation, Sociosexuality, and Dark Triad Traits in Women. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-017-0111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Dharma C, Bauer GR. Understanding sexual orientation and health in Canada: Who are we capturing and who are we missing using the Statistics Canada sexual orientation question? Canadian Journal of Public Health 2017; 108:e21-e26. [PMID: 28425895 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.108.5848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Public health research on inequalities in Canada depends heavily on population data sets such as the Canadian Community Health Survey. While sexual orientation has three dimensions - identity, behaviour and attraction - Statistics Canada and public health agencies assess sexual orientation with a single questionnaire item on identity, defined behaviourally. This study aims to evaluate this item, to allow for clearer interpretation of sexual orientation frequencies and inequalities. METHODS Through an online convenience sampling of Canadians ≥14 years of age, participants (n = 311) completed the Statistics Canada question and a second set of sexual orientation questions. RESULTS The single-item question had an 85.8% sensitivity in capturing sexual minorities, broadly defined by their sexual identity, lifetime behaviour and attraction. Kappa statistic for agreement between the single item and sexual identity was 0.89; with past year, lifetime behaviour and attraction were 0.39, 0.48 and 0.57 respectively. The item captured 99.3% of those with a sexual minority identity, 84.2% of those with any lifetime same-sex partners, 98.4% with a past-year same-sex partner, and 97.8% who indicated at least equal attraction to same-sex persons. CONCLUSION Findings from Statistics Canada surveys can be best interpreted as applying to those who identify as sexual minorities. Analyses using this measure will underidentify those with same-sex partners or attractions who do not identify as a sexual minority, and should be interpreted accordingly. To understand patterns of sexual minority health in Canada, there is a need to incorporate other dimensions of sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer Dharma
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
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