Heterosexism, Depression, and Campus Engagement Among LGBTQ College Students: Intersectional Differences and Opportunities for Healing

Developing and Validating Thai Sexual Orientation Microaggression and Microaffirmation Scales

Mental health disparities exist for sexual minority populations globally. Microaggressions and microaffirmations related to sexual orientation may negatively or positively impact well-being. Culturally validated tools are needed to assess these constructs among LGBQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning) individuals in Thailand's high-context culture. This study aimed to develop and validate the Thai Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (T-SOMG) and the Thai Sexual Orientation Microaffirmations Scale (T-SOMF) to quantify experiences among LGBQ+ Thais. A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Initial scale items were derived from a literature review, expert consultation, and interviews with LGBQ+ Thais. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 164) refined the item pools. Confirmatory factor analysis (n = 200) confirmed the factor structures. Reliability and validity were examined. The final 18-item T-SOMG contained two subscales-Interpersonal and Environmental Microaggressions. The 13-item T-SOMF contained Interpersonal and Environmental Microaffirmations subscales. All scales demonstrated good model fit, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The T-SOMG and T-SOMF are culturally valid tools for assessing microaggressions and microaffirmations among LGBQ+ Thais. These localized scales can enable research on factors impacting LGBQ+ well-being. Further validation in diverse samples is warranted.

Moving beyond vulnerability and focusing on resilience: An intersectional posttraumatic growth model for LGBTQ+ people of color

In the context of the legacy of deficit-focused research and application of theoretical models in research on minoritized groups that are underrepresented in the literature, we explored the strengths-based literature among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of color to develop a more inclusive and relevant understanding of how posttraumatic growth (PTG) occurs in this population. Our intersectional PTG model is tailored to the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color that builds upon previous models of PTG, intersectionality theory, and empirical findings of trauma and PTG among LGBTQ+ people of color. Our intersectional PTG model incorporates the unique intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors that are unique to this population and contribute to PTG. We challenge the limited scope of Criterion A traumatic events and emphasize empirical findings that support that LGBTQ+ people of color often experience posttraumatic stress after oppression and discrimination. Our model also recognizes the impact of intersecting risk factors, such as gendered racism, that may occur on various levels. Our model acknowledges that LGBTQ+ people of color have often demonstrated PTG in the face of adversity. Intrapersonal factors such as cognitive flexibility, interpersonal factors such as social support, and institutional and cultural factors such as identity-related activism are identified as key contributors to resilience. We discuss practice implications, highlighting that clinicians should recognize limitations of traditional trauma frameworks and adopt culturally sensitive approaches when working with LGBTQ+ people of color. Overall, our model provides a foundation for strengths-based interventions and research, emphasizing resiliency and potential for PTG in this population.

Microaggressions Toward Sexual and Gender Minority Emerging Adults: An Updated Systematic Review of Psychological Correlates and Outcomes and the Role of Intersectionality

Purpose: Quantitative data on the psychological effects of microaggressions toward sexual and gender minority individuals have grown substantially. Sexual orientation-based and transgender and gender-diverse (trans+) identity-based microaggressions have been thematically identified in prior research. In addition, combined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender-diverse, queer/questioning, and other non-heterosexual (LGBTQ) microaggressions can be examined intersectionally with other marginalized identities. This systematic review synthesizes research on the relationships among these microaggressions and psychological correlates and outcomes. Methods: Forty-five quantitative studies examining sexual orientation-, trans+ identity-, or intersectional identity-based microaggressions and various psychological outcomes were identified from systematic searches of PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. Data regarding microaggressions were extracted, synthesized, and grouped by mental health outcome or correlate. Results: Sexual orientation-based microaggressions were risk factors for depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma and were positively associated with psychological distress, traumatic stress symptoms, alcohol use and abuse, cannabis use and problems, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt. Trans+ identity-based microaggressions were positively associated with depression, suicide attempt, and cannabis use. LGBTQ intersectional identity-based microaggressions concerning race/ethnicity were associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Research on other intersectional identity-based microaggressions is scarce. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the psychological harm inflicted by various microaggressions on LGBTQ late adolescents and early adults. Future work should focus on microaggressions toward individuals with trans+ and intersectional identities and protective factors for these experiences. This review also highlights the distinct need for community-based research on implementing microintervention strategies in family, school, and work environments to mitigate the harmful effects of these microaggressions.

"We been dying, and you got me on a call helping you stay alive": Black and Latinx youth organizers' experiences of racism in gun violence prevention organizations

This study explored Black and Latinx youth organizers' experiences of racism within national gun violence prevention organizing spaces. Interview data were analyzed from 17 Black and/or Latinx youth (Mage  = 20.17, 47% women) across the United States who organized against gun violence. The findings identified three forms of racism that Black and Latinx organizers experienced in national organizations: (1) being tokenized for their racial identities and experiences without having real decision making power; (2) feeling a burden to educate their white peers about the structural causes of gun violence and how to improve organizing spaces for other youth of color; and (3) being silenced in their racially conscious organizing efforts to address the structural causes of gun violence in their communities. This research highlights how Black and Latinx youth gun violence prevention organizers contend both with structural racism in their everyday lives and racism in organizing spaces.

LGBTQ+ Peer Advocates' Health Communication Praxis for College Student Health Outreach and Intersectional Needs

The following essay examines health communication outreach for LGBTQ+ college students through analyzing both the design and exit evaluation of a federally funded United States public health program. SHARE-Pride was a three-year health intervention program that served LGBTQ+ students ages 18-24 at Southern University (SU)-a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution. Because of structural barriers creating sexual health and drug and alcohol consumption risks, SHARE-Pride (SP) used a peer advocate model for students to develop mentoring relationships with LGBTQ+ peers to increase health knowledge. We first present health literature that informed SP's design and then examine research that shaped our exit study to understand advocates' intersectional identities and experiences as impacting their health communication outreach. We share rich findings from our interviews with 12 students, including communication approaches for LGBTQ+ health, increasing health communication inclusive of the full LGBTQ+ spectrum, and the role of intersectionality in LGBTQ+ health communication. We conclude with health communication praxis for future LGBTQ+ health programs and research.

Safer spaces in youth development programs and health in Canadian youth

Engagement in youth programs is a potential means to promote health and well-being across populations of young people. Safer spaces in these youth programs are likely critical in fostering positive health outcomes, but current research on the links between safer spaces and health is limited. In this exploratory study, we examined links between program safety in youth development programs and minoritized status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosomatic health complaints. Participants (N = 282; Mean age = 16.97 years; SD = 2.97) self-identified across various minority status groups, including LGBTQ (30%) and a range of perceived income levels. We tested a statistical model in which safer spaces, LGBTQ status and perceived income predicted HRQoL and health complaints in youth development program participants. LGBTQ status and lower perceived income were related to lower HRQoL and more health complaints, and safer space in youth development programs was related to better HRQoL. We also found an interaction effect, such that safer spaces in youth programs appeared to be especially beneficial for HRQoL for youth with higher incomes. Findings reinforce past research on LGBTQ status and income as factors for youth wellness and mental health. Findings also suggest that perceived safer spaces in youth development programs support better HRQoL and lower health complaints, across populations of participating youth.

Impact of Living Arrangements of LGBTQ College Students During COVID-19

This study examines the relationships between living arrangements and educational outcomes, access to LGBTQ affirming care, sexual and gender minority (SGM) stressors, and mental health. Bivariate analyses were implemented to examine relationships between living arrangements and academic outcomes, SGM stressors, access to care, and alcohol and substance use. Differences between undergraduate and graduate students are also reported. Students who continued living on campus were less likely to report increased family rejection, transphobia, and identity concealment.

Gender Differences in Anticipated but Not Behavioral Confrontation of Heterosexist Comments

Heterosexist comments are prevalent, but they can be combatted by recognizing and confronting them. Using a 2 (participant gender: woman, man) by 2 (heterosexist comment: gender-policing, sexuality-based) design, we evaluated gender differences in ratings of offensiveness and confrontations of heterosexist comments. In Study 1 (N = 110), participants imagined interacting with a person who made a heterosexist comment. In Study 2 (N = 86), participants interacted in-person with a confederate who made a heterosexist comment. In both studies, non-target (heterosexual) women rated the comments as more offensive as compared to non-target men. Notably, women anticipated confronting with more strength than men (Study 1), but in actuality confronted with similar strength as men (Study 2). We explored perceived perpetrator sexism, beliefs about appearing gay, and prior contact with sexual minorities as potential variables impacting gender differences and predicting confronting. Differences between anticipated and actual confronting are discussed.

Implementation and Outcomes of the Trauma Ambassadors Program: A Case Study of Trauma-Informed Youth Leadership Development

Community-based programs serve a critical need for vulnerable youth and families. In recent years, researchers and practitioners have urged programs to adopt a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach to address adversity in young people's lives. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation and outcomes of the Trauma Ambassador (TA) Program, a pilot youth leadership program guided by a community-university partnership that utilized a TIC approach in an underserved East North Philadelphia neighborhood. Fourteen youth engaged in interactive trainings to build their understanding of trauma and develop practical tools to support encounters with individuals with trauma histories. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to better understand program implementation and outcomes. Rich data emerged that identifies a myriad of ways that youth and their community might benefit from a program like the one described. The program successfully impacted participants, as TAs recognized their own trauma and were motivated to help others who may have trauma histories. This program provided quality youth development experiences, particularly with respect to trauma-informed care, and results support taking a holistic, healing-centered approach to foster well-being for youth and adult mentors.

Community Connectedness as a Moderator of the Association between Intersectional Microaggressions and Alcohol Use among Sexual and Gender Minoritized People of Color

Background: Researchers have documented associations between discrete conceptualizations of microaggressions (e.g., sexual identity, gender identity, and racial identity microaggressions) and alcohol use among sexual and gender minoritized people of color (SGM-POC). However, little is known about the association between intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use among SGM-POC. Moreover, protective factors such as community connectedness have been examined via similar discrete conceptualizations instead of examining SGM-POC community connectedness with other SGM-POC individuals. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the association between intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use among SGM-POC and test whether different types of community connectedness moderated this association. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 267 SGM-POC individuals. Four moderation analyses were done to analyze whether different types of community connectedness (sexual identity, racial identity, gender identity, and SGM-POC identity community connectedness) were moderators of the association of intersectional microaggressions and alcohol use. Results: Intersectional microaggressions were significantly positively correlated with alcohol use. Furthermore, SGM-POC community connectedness moderated this association such that the association was stronger for individuals with higher levels of SGM-POC community connectedness, but not lower levels of SGM-POC community connectedness. Conclusions: These findings showcase the importance of assessing for intersectional microaggressions as a risk factor for alcohol use. Similarly, the findings suggest that SGM-POC community connectedness may be a protective factor against alcohol use for SGM-POC.

Intersecting Race and Gender Across Hardships and Mental Health During COVID-19: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Graduate Students at Two Universities

While the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of college students can vary across race and gender, few studies have explored the role of hardships and university assistance in these disparities, as well as how these disparities can manifest themselves differently across intersections of race and gender. We address this gap by using unique survey data (n = 417) from two large graduate schools of social work, public health, and social policy in the United States. Using multi-group structural equation modeling, we explore how material hardships, academic hardships, and university assistance needed mediates the relationship between race and mental health, including depression and anxiety. We also explore how gender moderates these relationships. We find that Black students are directly related to material hardships and-through these hardships-indirectly related to increased depression, indicating mediation. However, material hardships did not mediate the relationship between race and anxiety. Furthermore, while academic hardships mediated the relationships between race and depression, as well as race and anxiety, these relationships were only significant for females, indicating moderated-mediation. Moreover, although university assistance needed mediated the relationship between race and depression for females only, university assistance needed mediated the relationship between race and anxiety for both males and females. We close with implications for policy and practice.

Interfaith Experiences and Their Relationship with Heterosexual Collegians' Attitudes Toward Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People

For queer-spectrum students, college and university campuses are often sites of marginalization, discrimination, and/or harassment. Though such experiences are not singularly attributable to worldview, research highlights the role that religious identity plays in shaping individuals' perspectives on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Absent from current scholarship, however, is insight into the ways in which interfaith experiences may influence those attitudes. As such, this study uses data from the Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal Survey (IDEALS) to explore how formal and informal campus interfaith experiences and provocative encounters with worldview diversity relate to heterosexual students' appreciative attitudes toward LGB people. In addition to reinforcing the importance of friendships with individuals of different sexual orientations, our findings underscore the roles that campus space for support and spiritual expression, provocative encounters with worldview diversity, and interfaith behaviors play in fostering heterosexual students' appreciative attitudes toward LGB people.

LGBTQ Identity-Related Victimization During COVID-19 Is Associated with Moderate to Severe Psychological Distress Among Young Adults

Purpose: Existing evidence indicates significant threats against the mental health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including elevated rates of substance use, anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the mechanistic identity-related factors that may influence the mental health needs of SGM young adults in the time of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the impact of increases in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) identity-related victimization since the start of COVID-19 on psychological distress among SGM college students. Methods: A nonprobability, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and August 2020 to explore the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. SGM college students (N = 565). Previously validated scales were used to measure LGBTQ identity-related victimization and psychological distress. Chi-square tests of independence, independent samples T-tests, and adjusted logistic regression were used to examine the study aim. Results: Adjusted logistic regression findings revealed that reporting past year+more frequent LGBTQ identity-related victimization since the start of COVID-19 (compared to no report) was associated with over four times greater odds of experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of research, practice, and policy stakeholders toward addressing the unique identity-related mental health needs and victimization experiences of SGM college students. Mental health, social service, and higher education practitioners have an important opportunity and responsibility toward identifying and intervening on SGM college students and young adults facing identity-related victimization amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“They Need to Hear Our Voices”: A Multidimensional Framework of Black College Women’s Sociopolitical Development and Activism

Black women have played an integral role in Black liberation struggles. Yet there is little psychological scholarship on Black women’s contribution to social justice movements, particularly beyond conventional forms of activism, such as protesting and voting. To address this gap, the current study draws on Black feminist epistemology to present a multidimensional framework of Black college women’s sociopolitical development. Using consensual qualitative research methods, we analyzed semistructured interview data from 65 Black college women (18-24 years) to explore their understandings of agency, civic engagement, and resistance. Eight themes emerged— gaining knowledge, self-advocacy, sisterhood, self-love, educating others, collective organizing and leadership, community care, and career aspirations. Our results situate Black college women’s activism within a sociohistorical framework of Black feminist organizing and underscore the overlapping roles of self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, and institutional knowledge. The authors discuss how the contemporary racial and sociopolitical climate in the United States informed the participants’ social justice orientation and how their involvement and investment in the Black community helped the participants reframe racial violence and oppression into narratives of resistance and healing.

Effects of Humor and Bystander Gender on Responses to Antigay Harassment

Individuals perceived to be LGBTQ+ are at risk for harassment. Although bystanders who confront harassers and support targets of harassment may promote inclusivity, the use of humor to express antigay harassment may inhibit prosocial bystander intervention. Non-LGBTQ+ undergraduates (N = 326) were randomly assigned to respond to a scenario in which a male peer disparaged another peer with antigay comments involving either the presence or absence of humor. Results showed that bystanders reported less intent to intervene in the presence of humor than in its absence. Bystander gender moderated perceptions of humorous harassing speech but not intent to intervene. In the presence of humor, men but not women perceived antigay harassment as more amusing; they also perceived the harassing peer more favorably. To promote ally behavior, bystander education may explicitly address critical thinking about the functions and effects of disparaging humor.

Minority Stress and Loneliness in a Global Sample of Sexual Minority Adults: The Roles of Social Anxiety, Social Inhibition, and Community Involvement

Research suggests that loneliness among sexual minority adults is associated with marginalization, but it is unclear which processes may underlie this relationship. This cross-sectional study examined five possibilities: stigma preoccupation, internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, social anxiety, and social inhibition. The study also examined the possible protective role of LGBTQ community involvement. Respondents were 7856 sexual minority adults aged 18-88 years from 85 countries who completed an online survey. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that marginalization was positively associated with both social and emotional loneliness, and that part of this relationship was indirect via proximal minority stress factors (especially stigma preoccupation) and, in turn, social anxiety and social inhibition. Moreover, while LGBTQ community involvement was associated with greater marginalization, it was also associated with lower levels of proximal stress and both forms of loneliness. Among those who were more involved in the LGBTQ community, the associations between marginalization and proximal stress were somewhat weaker, as were those between stigma preoccupation and social anxiety, and between social inhibition and social loneliness. In contrast, the associations between concealment and social anxiety were somewhat stronger. Model fit and patterns of association were similar after controlling for the possible confounding effect of dispositional negative affectivity, but several coefficients were lower. Findings underscore the continuing need to counter marginalization of sexual minorities, both outside and within the LGBTQ community, and suggest possible avenues for alleviating loneliness at the individual level, such as cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting stigma preoccupation and social anxiety.

Come Out, Get Out: Relations Among Sexual Minority Identification, Microaggressions, and Retention in Higher Education. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022;37:NP8237-NP8248. [PMID: 33092456 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520967126]

Heterosexism, in the form of microaggressions, contributes to hostile, anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) college campus climates, thereby limiting sexual and gender minority students' social engagement and academic persistence. Using Tinto's model of institutional departure, we examined the degree to which experiencing microaggressions affects sexual minority college students' retention as a function of their feelings of discomfort in the classroom. Mediation analyses were performed on a subsample of data from 152 self-identified LGBTQ college students at a southern university in the United States to examine relations among experiences of self-reported microaggressions, self-rated classroom discomfort, and expressed intentions to transfer from the university. Self-reported discomfort in the classroom accounts for the relation between experiences of microaggressions and LGBTQ students' intentions to transfer from the university. Specifically, LGBTQ students who experienced microaggressions more often reported greater discomfort in their classrooms and reported fewer intentions to continue studying at their university. Universities should strive to implement campus-wide programs that help minimize microaggressions, encourage cultural competency and comfort in the classroom, and combat anti-LGBTQ prejudice to better support students in their day-to-day academic endeavors. LGBTQ students who feel safe and supported in the classroom may be protected from heterosexism and social isolation and, thereby, may be more likely to persevere in their academic pursuits.

LGBTQ+ Engagement in Activism: An Examination of Internalized Heterosexism and LGBTQ+ Community Connectedness

Participation in activist groups has been demonstrated to have myriad benefits for LGBTQ+ individuals, including decreasing the negative mental health effects of discrimination. In this brief report, we present results from an exploratory study examining two factors that impact individuals' involvement in activist groups: internalized heterosexism and connection to LGBTQ+ community. Participants (N = 1999) were LGBTQ+ adults aged 18-80 who were recruited online. Results revealed that participants who engaged in activist groups reported more connection to the LGBTQ+ community and less internalized heterosexism when compared to participants who did not engage in activist groups.

Intersectional Minority Stress and Intimate Partner Violence: The Effects of Enacted Stigma on Racial Minority Youth Assigned Female at Birth

Many sexual minority youth of color experience enacted stigma based on each of their minority identities. We examined whether experiences of racist discrimination and heterosexist microaggressions were associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among female-assigned at birth (FAB) sexual minority youth of color. Data were drawn from a larger study of FAB sexual and gender minority youth (FAB400; N = 488). We selected racial/ethnic minority participants who reported a sexual minority identity and reported a romantic relationship in the previous 6 months (N = 249). Negative binomial models were used to test for associations between enacted stigma (racial discrimination and heterosexist microaggressions) and IPV (psychological, physical, sexual, and sexual minority-specific) perpetration and victimization. When considered separately, both forms of enacted stigma was positively associated with perpetration and victimization across all four types of IPV. In multivariate models, racial discrimination and heterosexist microaggressions both had unique, additive effects on psychological IPV perpetration and physical- and sexual minority-specific IPV victimization. Only racial discrimination was uniquely associated with physical perpetration and psychological victimization. Only heterosexist microaggression was uniquely associated with sexual minority-specific perpetration and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization. Findings illustrate how enacted stigma based on each minority identity intersect to raise risk for IPV among sexual minority youth of color.

Where Is LGBTQ+ in Ontario's Health Care Policies and Programs?

INTRODUCTION

The LGBTQ+ community experiences health inequities that are linked to the social determinants of health (SDH), though the full extent of these health inequities is not fully understood.

METHODS

This study is a comparative thematic content analysis of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's (MOHLTC) website and the websites of each of the 14 local health integration networks (LHINs) in 2009 and 2017. It provides a snapshot and evaluation of the amount and type of online content concerning LGBTQ+-specific health needs and determines how well the programs and services aligned with the Ministry's stated priorities and population health/SDH philosophy.

RESULTS

We found very little content that suggested a population health approach on the Ministry's website. We also found very little LGBTQ+-specific content on the LHINs' websites in both periods, with two notable exceptions in 2017. Our analysis revealed a persistent emphasis on HIV/AIDS risk containment in the LGBTQ + community over the two periods.

CONCLUSIONS

We argue that to promote healthy equity, the MOHLTC needs to acknowledge inequalities and intervene through political and social mechanisms that extend beyond HIV.

Intersectionality in quantitative health disparities research: A systematic review of challenges and limitations in empirical studies

RATIONALE

Quantitative health disparities research has increasingly employed intersectionality as a theoretical tool to investigate how social characteristics intersect to generate health inequality. Yet, intersectionality was not designed to quantify, predict, or identify health disparities, and, as a result, multiple criticisms against its misapplication in health disparities research have been made. As such, there is an emerging need to evaluate the growing body of quantitative research that aims to investigate health disparities through an intersectional lens.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review from earliest records to January 2020 to (i) describe the scope of limitations when applying intersectionality to quantitative health disparities research, and (ii) identify recommendations to improve the future integration of intersectionality with this scholarship. We identified relevant publications with electronic searches in PubMed and CA Web of Science. Studies eligible for inclusion were English-language publications that used quantitative methodologies to investigate health disparities among adults in the U.S. while explicitly claiming to adopt an intersectional perspective. Out of 1279 articles reviewed, 65 were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Our review found that, while the value of intersectionality to the study of health disparities is evident, the existing research struggles with meeting intersectionality's fundamental assumptions. In particular, four limitations were found to be widespread: narrowing the measurements of intersectionality, intersectional groups, and health outcomes; placing primacy on the study of certain intersectional groups to the neglect of others; overlooking underlying explanatory mechanisms that contribute to the health disparities experienced by intersectional groups; and, lacking in the use of life-course perspectives to show how health disparities vary across different life stages.

CONCLUSION

If the goal of health equality is to be achieved among diverse intersectional groups, future research must be assisted by the collection and examination of data that overcomes these limitations.

"It just feels right": Perceptions of the effects of community connectedness among trans individuals

Trans individuals (e.g. trans men and women, non-binary, gender fluid) are at higher risk for mental health concerns, in part due to marginalization. Previous work has documented the effects of social support and community engagement on health outcomes. However, individuals’ perceptions of community engagement effects may point to opportunities for intervention. This mixed methods study examines trans individuals’ perceived effects of participating in trans communities on health outcomes. Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with 20 individuals, and 60 individuals participated in cross-sectional online surveys. Perceived discrimination had a strong negative association with self-assessed mental health. Effects of participation included a) positive: contextualization and normalization of experience, self-appraisal, safety, and relief; and b) neutral/negative: energy drain and stigmatization. Effects of not participating included loneliness, depression, isolation, hiding identity, and losing resources. Both discrimination and non-participation in trans communities had negative effects on mental health. Though community participation is often discussed as positive for marginalized populations, it may be important to include possible negative effects (such as energy drain) in research.

Marginalized Identities, Trump-Related Distress, and the Mental Health of Underrepresented College Students

The current study sought to determine whether holding targeted marginalized identities was associated with greater experiences of distress related to Trump's presidency and whether participants' level of Trump-related distress predicted decrements in mental health. Participants in the current longitudinal study included 338 underrepresented college students attending a predominantly White institution. Results indicated that individuals who held targeted marginalized identities reported greater Trump-related distress compared to their non-targeted counterparts, and that holding multiple targeted marginalized identities was associated with greater levels of Trump-related distress. Findings also indicated that Trump-related distress was associated with increases (relative to previous trajectories) in anxious but not depressive symptoms. Overall, our results suggest that a shift in sociopolitical circumstances that promulgates bigotry may be harmful to those who possess targeted marginalized identities.

Effects of sexual/gender minority- and race-based enacted stigma on mental health and substance use in female assigned at birth sexual minority youth

OBJECTIVE

People of color who are also sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience forms of enacted stigma based on both their racial/ethnic identity and their SGM status. We set out to test the effects of enacted stigma specific to race/ethnicity and SGM identity on mental health and substance use problems among female assigned at birth (FAB) SGM of color.

METHOD

Data come from a community-based sample of FAB SGM who also identified as racial/ethnic minorities (N = 352). The effects of racial discrimination, SGM victimization, and sexual orientation microaggressions on depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, alcohol-related problems, and marijuana-related problems were tested using linear regression and negative binomial models.

RESULTS

Enacted stigma based on both race/ethnicity and SGM status were significant predictors of mental health outcomes and alcohol-related problems within the same model, which suggested that both uniquely contributed to poorer health. There was little support for interactive effects between the multiple forms of enacted stigma. Marijuana-related problems were best explained by enacted stigma based on race/ethnicity only.

CONCLUSIONS

Racially diverse FAB SGM are at unique risk of experiencing multiple forms of discrimination and aggression based on their minority identities that each contribute negatively to their wellbeing. Consideration of the multiple forms of enacted stigma they face is necessary for understanding health disparities in these populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of common mental disorders among first-year university students in post-apartheid South Africa: implications for a public mental health approach to student wellness

Background

There is growing awareness of the need for effective prevention, early detection, and novel treatment approaches for common mental disorders (CMDs) among university students. Reliable epidemiological data on prevalence and correlates are the cornerstones of planning and implementing effective health services and adopting a public health approach to student wellness. Yet, there is a comparative lack of sound psychiatric epidemiological studies on CMDs among university students in low- and middle-income countries, like South Africa (SA). It is also unclear if historically marginalised groups of students are at increased risk for mental health problems in post-apartheid SA. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of lifetime and 12-month CMDs among university students in SA, with a particular focus on vulnerability among students in historically excluded and marginalised segments of the population.

Methods

Data were collected via self-report measures in an online survey of first-year students registered at two large universities (n = 1402). CMDs were assessed with previously-validated screening scales. Data were weighted and analysed using multivariate statistical methods.

Results

A total of 38.5% of respondents reported at least one lifetime CMD, the most common being major depressive disorder (24.7%). Twelve-month prevalence of any CMD was 31.5%, with generalised anxiety disorder being the most common (20.8%). The median age of onset for any disorder was 15 years. The median proportional annual persistence of any disorder was 80.0%. Female students, students who reported an atypical sexual orientation, and students with disabilities were at significantly higher risk of any lifetime or 12-month disorder. Female gender, atypical sexual orientation, and disability were associated with elevated risk of internalising disorders, whereas male gender, identifying as White, and reporting an atypical sexual orientation were associated with elevated risk of externalising disorders. Older age, atypical sexual orientation, and disability were associated with elevated risk of bipolar spectrum disorder.

Conclusions

Despite advances to promote greater social inclusion in post-apartheid SA, students who identify as female, students with atypical sexual orientations, and students with disabilities are nonetheless at increased risk of CMDs, although students who identify as Black and first-generation students are not.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7218-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Demographic differences in response rates for PHQ9 in a university student population

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in complete response rates for depression screening questions based on demographic characteristics.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study examining associations between demographic characteristics and completely responding depression-screening questions.

PARTICIPANTS

"Healthy Minds Study" data, collected in a public University in February 2016, where 7,326 students participated.

RESULTS

women (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI =0.57-0.83) and gay/lesbian students (AOR: 0.24; 95% CI =0.10-0.60) had better complete response rates. Non-US (AOR: 1.46; 95% CI =1.03-2.07), black (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI =1.92-5.77), and Middle-Eastern students (AOR: 3.73; 95% CI =1.73-8.02) had lower complete response rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows sex, gender, citizenship, and race categories have significant differences in complete response rates for the outcome. Our findings have several implications; including recognizing interventions for depression based on responders may not target those that tend to be "partial-responders". Efforts in survey design, recruiting and completion of surveys should be maximized.

A Critical and Intersectional Model of LGBTQ Microaggressions: Toward a More Comprehensive Understanding

This article summarizes a proposed critical and intersectional model of LGBTQ microaggressions that can be used by scholars and practitioners from multiple disciplines. Drawing on critical and intersectional paradigms and decades of research from multiple fields, we constructed a model that acknowledges the breadth, depth, scope, and complexity of LGBTQ microaggressions. This proposed model includes the following elements: hegemonic influences, intersectional complexities, perpetration, interpersonal and environmental contexts, and responses.

Acknowledgement and support matter: A brief report on gender identity and sexual orientation at a large, urban university

OBJECTIVE

To examine reporting trends of students identifying as LGBTQIA+ following changes made to the ACHA-NCHA-II survey about gender identity and sexual orientation.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from two sources for the purpose of triangulation: the ACHA-NCHA-II 2016 survey specific to our university and an electronic audience response survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Primary analyses included first-year students from the ACHA-NCHA-II data (N = 158; spring 2016) and the audience response survey (N = 1,452; August 2016).

RESULTS

Five percent of students did not identify as cis-gender and 21% did not identify as straight/heterosexual. The sexual orientation trend was confirmed by the audience response survey.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of students identifying as LGBTQIA+ increased nationally between the ACHA-NCHA-II 2014 and 2016 survey samples, a trend which was confirmed using an independent audience response survey. This information has implications for university programming and inclusivity efforts nationwide.

Intersectionality Is Not a Choice: Reflections of a Queer Scholar of Color on Teaching, Writing, and Belonging in LGBTQ Studies and Academia

Drawing on my experience as a queer, genderqueer, Puerto Rican counselor educator, this article considers how LGBTQAI+ studies and academia can expand to better include people with multiple marginalized identities. This article highlights some of the contradictions that educators face when engaging in the liberatory praxis that connects and creates a sense of belonging during these tumultuous times. This reflection suggests a decolonizing approach to intersectionality and highlights the importance of transcending binary discourse to engage in deconstructing the multiple layers of colonization in our internal and external spaces that is necessary for liberatory praxis. Finally, a few recommendations for how LGBTQAI+ studies and academia can support scholars with multiple marginalized identities are identified.

LGBTQ College Students' Experiences With University Health Services: An Exploratory Study

Access to inclusive, equitable health care is central to the wellbeing of all college students yet little is known about LGBTQ students' experiences with university health services. In this article, individual interviews with a convenience sample of 14 LGBTQ students at a large public university were analyzed to explore their perceptions of and experiences with the university's health center and its services. Our findings demonstrate that the university is not adequately meeting their health care needs. Participants' narratives offer insights into how to improve campus-based health services for LGBTQ students.