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Fish JN, Bishop MD, Russell ST. Age Trends in Bias-Based Bullying and Mental Health by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:1142-1151. [PMID: 37148493 PMCID: PMC11312111 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Disparities in mental health and bullying between SGM youth and their heterosexual, cisgender peers are well-established. There remain questions about whether the onset and progression of these disparities differ across adolescence-knowledge critical for screening, prevention, and intervention. To address this, the current study estimates age-based patterns of homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and mental health across groups of adolescents defined by sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Data are from the 2013-2015 cycle of the California Healthy Kids Survey (n = 728,204). We estimated the age-specific prevalence rates of past-year homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and depressive symptoms using three- and two-way interactions by (1) age, sex, and sexual identity and (2) age and gender identity, respectively. We also tested how adjustments for bias-based bullying alter predicted prevalence rates of past-year mental health symptoms. Results showed that SOGI differences in homophobic bullying, gender-based bullying, and mental health were already present among youth aged 11 and younger. SOGI differences by age were attenuated when adjusting models for homophobic and gender-based bullying, particularly among transgender youth. SOGI-related bias-based bullying and mental health disparities were present early and generally persisted throughout adolescence. Strategies that prevent exposure to homophobic and gender-based bullying would significantly reduce SOGI-related disparities in mental health across adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Fish
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 1142 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- University of Maryland Prevention Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
| | - Meg D Bishop
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 1142 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- University of Maryland Prevention Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
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Martin-Storey A, Recchia HE, Santo JB. Self-Continuity Moderates the Association Between Sexual-Minority Status Based Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2021; 68:2075-2096. [PMID: 32130077 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2020.1733350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Self-continuity, or how an individual understands their sense of self as persisting from past to present and present to future, is an important aspect of the self-concept that is linked to mental health outcomes. This self-concept construct may be particularly pertinent for sexual minority populations, as living in a heterosexist environment may prove detrimental for the development of self-continuity. The current study examined self-continuity among sexual minority and heterosexual community college and university students (N = 292). Compared to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority participants reported lower levels of self-continuity. Self-continuity moderated the associations between victimization due to gender nonconformity and victimization due to sexual minority status and depressive symptoms, such that higher levels of self-continuity were protective among individuals who were experiencing higher levels of victimization due to gender nonconformity or sexual minority status. Findings will be discussed in terms of their implications for identity development among emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Martin-Storey
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Holly E Recchia
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan B Santo
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Haltom TM, Ratcliff S. Effects of Sex, Race, and Education on the Timing of Coming Out among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the U.S. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1107-1120. [PMID: 32638192 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01776-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual identity formation or "coming out" as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) involves a complex process including both private realization and public disclosure. Private realization refers to the process through which an individual becomes aware of their LGB identity, whereas public disclosure reflects when an individual discloses their identity to another person. Sex, race, and class affect the timing of these processes across the life course. While extant research has identified the bivariate nature of these processes, we took a multivariate approach to understand the timing of these sexual identity milestones from a life-course perspective. Using data from the Pew Research Center's 2013 Survey of LGBT Adults (n = 1136), we considered how the timing of private realization and public disclosure of LGB identity is a sexed, racialized, and classed experience. The sample consisted of lesbians (n = 270), gay males (n = 396), bisexual females (n = 342), and bisexual males (n = 127). Results indicated that females uniformly realized and disclosed their identities at later stages in the life course, whereas individuals with at least some college education came out during their prime college-age years. We also found variation in timing between private realization and public disclosure for Black respondents, but not other racial groups. These findings provide insight into how organizations can develop specific programs that allow LGB individuals to safely explore their sexuality and provide support over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trenton M Haltom
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 711 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0324, USA.
| | - Shawn Ratcliff
- Kansas City Federal Statistical Research Data Center, U.S. Census Bureau, 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Nardelli N, Baiocco R, Tanzilli A, Lingiardi V. Not in the Same Mental Drawer: Internalized Sexual Stigma, Dissociation, and the Role of Religion in a Sample of Italian Gay Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2020; 67:1386-1400. [PMID: 30912733 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1591786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the relationship between internalized sexual stigma (ISS) and dissociation. The aim of the present study was to empirically investigate this relationship through a quantitative study. The Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men (MISS-LG) and the Dissociation Scale (DIS) of the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) were administered to 120 Caucasian participants who self-identified as gay men. Findings suggested that dissociative symptomatology, as measured by DIS-an estimation of the use of dissociation as a defense mechanism-was positively associated with MISS general index and all dimensions of MISS, especially the sexuality dimension (ISS-S). Moreover, the effect of the ISS-S on DIS was amplified in Catholic participants, suggesting a moderating role of religiosity. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Nardelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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Hu HF, Chang YP, Lin C, Yen CF. Quality of life of gay and bisexual men during emerging adulthood in Taiwan: Roles of traditional and cyber harassment victimization. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213015. [PMID: 30818330 PMCID: PMC6394984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined factors related to the quality of life (QOL) of gay and bisexual men during emerging adulthood in Taiwan. The factors included traditional harassment (e.g., verbal ridicule, relational exclusion, physical aggression, and theft of belongings), cyber harassment, sex- and gender-related factors (e.g., sexual orientation, age at initial identification of sexual orientation, self-reported level of gender nonconformity, and perceived social acceptance toward homosexuality and bisexuality), and demographic characteristics. In total, 305 Taiwanese gay and bisexual men, aged 20-25 years, were recruited. Their QOL, traditional harassment, and cyber harassment data were collected using the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life: Short Form, School Bullying Experience Questionnaire, and Cyberbullying Experiences Questionnaire, respectively. In total, 60.3%, 34.4%, 28.2%, and 29.5% of the participants reported experiencing traditional harassment, cyber harassment, traditional harassment across multiple contexts, and harassment in multiple forms, respectively. Both traditional and cyber harassment were significantly associated with lower QOL. Individuals who experienced traditional harassment across multiple contexts and harassment in multiple forms had lower QOL in nearly all domains than did individuals who had experienced traditional harassment in a single context and harassment of a single form. However, the QOL did not significantly differ between individuals who had experienced traditional harassment in a single context and nonvictims nor between individuals who had experienced harassment of a single form and nonvictims. Lower education level, older age at initial identification of sexual orientation, higher perception of gender nonconformity, and lower perceived social acceptance toward homosexuality and bisexuality were significantly associated with lower QOL. Clinical and public health professionals should consider these factors when developing programs to enhance the QOL of gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Fan Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Chienho Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chimei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CFY); (CL)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CFY); (CL)
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Jager J, Putnick DL, Bornstein MH. II. MORE THAN JUST CONVENIENT: THE SCIENTIFIC MERITS OF HOMOGENEOUS CONVENIENCE SAMPLES. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 2018; 82:13-30. [PMID: 28475254 DOI: 10.1111/mono.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite their disadvantaged generalizability relative to probability samples, nonprobability convenience samples are the standard within developmental science, and likely will remain so because probability samples are cost-prohibitive and most available probability samples are ill-suited to examine developmental questions. In lieu of focusing on how to eliminate or sharply reduce reliance on convenience samples within developmental science, here we propose how to augment their advantages when it comes to understanding population effects as well as subpopulation differences. Although all convenience samples have less clear generalizability than probability samples, we argue that homogeneous convenience samples have clearer generalizability relative to conventional convenience samples. Therefore, when researchers are limited to convenience samples, they should consider homogeneous convenience samples as a positive alternative to conventional (or heterogeneous) convenience samples. We discuss future directions as well as potential obstacles to expanding the use of homogeneous convenience samples in developmental science.
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Skorska MN, Bogaert AF. Pubertal Stress and Nutrition and their Association with Sexual Orientation and Height in the Add Health Data. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:217-236. [PMID: 27511207 PMCID: PMC5925759 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies have indicated that gay men tend to be shorter, on average, than heterosexual men. Less evidence exists that lesbian women are taller, on average, than heterosexual women. The most popular explanation of the association between sexual orientation and height involves prenatal factors, such that, for example, gay men may have been exposed to lower than typical androgens during fetal development, which impacts their height and sexual orientation as adults. An alternative explanation involves stress, given that stress has been associated with sexual minority identification and with lower height. Another alternative explanation involves nutrition, although its relationship is less clear with sexual minority identification. Using the Add Health data, which is a large, nationally representative and longitudinal sample of American adolescents (n = 14,786), we tested a mediation model, such that sexual orientation → pubertal stress/nutrition → height. Within men, we found that gay men (n = 126) were shorter, on average, than heterosexual men (n = 6412). None of the 24 pubertal stress-related and 15 pubertal nutrition-related variables assessed in the Add Health data mediated the relationship between sexual orientation and height in men. Within women, lesbians (n = 75) did not differ significantly in stature compared to heterosexual women (n = 6267). Thus, prenatal mechanisms (e.g., hormones, maternal immune response) are likely better candidates for explaining the height difference between gay men and heterosexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvina N Skorska
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Anthony F Bogaert
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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Sikora R. Risk behaviors at late childhood and early adolescence as predictors of depression symptoms. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/cpp-2016-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The study aims to answer following questions: (1) What are the risk behaviors among children at late childhood and early stage of adolescence? (2) What are the differences between boys and girls concerning problem behaviors? (3) Do risk behaviors predict symptoms of depression? Participants fulfilled the set of three tools: (1) Children Depression Inventory authored by M. Kovacs (1992); (2) List of experienced risk behaviors and (3) List of open questions concerning the knowledge and experience with smart drugs. The study group consisted of 130 boys and girls attending the fifth and sixth grade of primary school. The study shows differences between boys’ and girls’ risk behaviors, as well as the similarities. The findings indicate that gender-related disparities in problem behaviors exist even at the early stages of puberty. Boys under one parent custody declare significantly more risk behaviors than girls under one parent custody. Finally, the symptoms of depression were predicted by cumulative number of risk behaviors and – on tendency level – by type of parental custody.
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Colledge L, Hickson F, Reid D, Weatherburn P. Poorer mental health in UK bisexual women than lesbians: evidence from the UK 2007 Stonewall Women's Health Survey. J Public Health (Oxf) 2015; 37:427-37. [DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdu105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Katz-Wise SL, Everett B, Scherer EA, Gooding H, Milliren CE, Austin SB. Factors Associated with Sexual Orientation and Gender Disparities in Chronic Pain Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults. Prev Med Rep 2015; 2:765-772. [PMID: 26557475 PMCID: PMC4635481 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research investigated factors associated with sexual orientation disparities in chronic pain frequency among youth. METHOD Data were analyzed from 4534 female and 3785 male youth from Waves I-IV (1995-2009) of the U.S. National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Gender-stratified weighted logistic regression models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and included sexual orientation (primary predictor) and frequency of three types of chronic pain (outcomes). Models with sexual orientation only were compared to models with factors hypothesized to increase or decrease risk of pain. Significant odds ratios (OR) for chronic pain frequency (daily/weekly vs. rarely) with confidence intervals (CI) and associated factors are reported. RESULTS Compared to same-gender heterosexual females, mostly heterosexuals were more likely to report headaches (OR=1.40, CI=1.09, 1.79) and mostly heterosexuals and bisexuals were more likely to report muscle/joint pain (mostly heterosexual OR=1.69, CI=1.29, 2.20; bisexual OR=1.87, CI=1.03, 3.38). Compared to same-gender heterosexual males, gay males were more likely to report headaches (OR=2.00, CI=1.06, 3.82), but less likely to report muscle/joint pain (OR=0.28, CI=0.11, 0.74). Significant disparities were attenuated by up to 16% when associated factors were added to the model. CONCLUSION Sexual orientation disparities in chronic pain were partially explained by associated factors, but more research is needed to develop intervention and prevention strategies.
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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, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Bethany Everett
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, 380 S 1530 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - Emily A Scherer
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Rope Ferry Rd, Hanover, NH 03755-1404 USA
| | - Holly Gooding
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Carly E Milliren
- 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, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115 USA ; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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Walsemann KM, Lindley LL, Gentile D, Welihindha SV. Educational Attainment by Life Course Sexual Attraction: Prevalence and Correlates in a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2013; 33:579-602. [PMID: 25382888 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-013-9288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Researchers know relatively little about the educational attainment of sexual minorities, despite the fact that educational attainment is consistently associated with a range of social, economic, and health outcomes. We examined whether sexual attraction in adolescence and early adulthood was associated with educational attainment in early adulthood among a nationally representative sample of US young adults. We analyzed Waves I and IV restricted data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=14,111). Sexual orientation was assessed using self-reports of romantic attraction in Waves I (adolescence) and IV (adulthood). Multinomial regression models were estimated and all analyses were stratified by gender. Women attracted to the same-sex in adulthood only had lower educational attainment compared to women attracted only to the opposite-sex in adolescence and adulthood. Men attracted to the same-sex in adolescence only had lower educational attainment compared to men attracted only to the opposite-sex in adolescence and adulthood. Adolescent experiences and academic performance attenuated educational disparities among men and women. Adjustment for adolescent experiences also revealed a suppression effect; women attracted to the same-sex in adolescence and adulthood had lower predicted probabilities of having a high school diploma or less compared to women attracted only to the opposite-sex in adolescence and adulthood. Our findings challenge previous research documenting higher educational attainment among sexual minorities in the US. Additional population-based studies documenting the educational attainment of sexual minority adults are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Walsemann
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Room 216, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Lisa L Lindley
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive MS 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030
| | - Danielle Gentile
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Room 216, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Shehan V Welihindha
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, Room 216, Columbia, SC 29208
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