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Kuhlemeier A, Willging CE. A Multigroup Structural Equation Modeling Approach for Analyzing Differences Among Sexually Diverse Youth. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-25. [PMID: 39186323 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2389903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
High rates of negative behavioral health outcomes among sexually diverse (SD) youth are consistently documented, but population-level trends obscure within-group differences. Social dynamics intersect in youths' lives in ways that cannot be accounted for by summing their independent effects. An intersectional perspective is essential to understanding the behavioral health outcomes of SD youth. We performed multigroup structural equation modeling using an SD subset of New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (N = 10,037) respondents to examine the moderating role of supportive adult relationships for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth across 12 intersecting (sexual orientation by race/ethnicity by sex) identity categories. Standardized estimates show that supportive relationships are associated with moderate reductions in psychological distress among lesbians (β = -0.459 for Native, β = -0.303 for Hispanic, and β = -0.421 for white) and female bisexual youth (β = -0.352 for Native, β = -0.376 for Hispanic, and β = -0.393 for white). Among male youth, supportive relationships are associated with reduced likelihood of substance use for gay (β = -0.330 for Native, β = -0.464 for Latinx and β = -0.591 for white) and bisexual youth (β = -0.442 for Native, β = -0.306 for Latinx and β = -0.290 for white). This study challenges monolithic characterizations of SD youth, illustrating that the health-promotive benefits of support differ based on sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Kuhlemeier
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Cathleen E Willging
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation-Southwest Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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2
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Roberts SR. The pride framework: a sociocultural-developmental approach for understanding LGBTQ+ adolescents' body image and disordered eating. Eat Disord 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39138020 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2352673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
This theoretical review paper offers a sociocultural-developmental framework for understanding LGBTQ+ adolescents' body image concerns and disordered eating risk. The Pride Framework integrates well-established sociocultural theories and extant empirical research, drawing from objectification theory, the tripartite influence model, minority stress theory, and intersectionality theory. The Pride Framework situates sociocultural appearance pressures within the adolescent developmental context, wherein biological, cognitive, and social transitions exacerbate the likelihood of body image disturbances and eating pathology. Various processes are then posited to link these sociocultural-developmental pressures to body image concerns and disordered eating. Crucially, this framework underscores that LGBTQ+ status itself does not pose a risk for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Instead, it is the experience of residing in a society that stigmatizes LGBTQ+ identities that increases youth's vulnerabilities. LGBTQ+ health researchers and practitioners are encouraged to engage in collaborative efforts with the aim of fostering acceptance for LGBTQ+ youth. This, in turn, could support normative adolescent identity exploration processes within sociocultural settings that are both affirming and inclusive, potentially mitigating adverse health consequences associated with body image disturbances.
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Hsu J, Mernitz S. The role of romantic relationships for sexual minority young adults' depressive symptoms: Does relationship type matter? SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2024; 122:103049. [PMID: 39216913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Sexual minority young adults consistently report higher rates of depression than heterosexual young adults. Drawing on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, this study examines if types of romantic relationships provide mental health benefits for lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Further, analyses distinguish between same- and different-sex unions to help determine which relationship types offer the most mental health benefits. The results show that marriage is linked to fewer depressive symptoms for gay and lesbian young adults, compared to being unpartnered or in a dating relationship. Further, same-sex unions are associated with fewer depressive symptoms, but not different-sex unions. Yet, bisexual respondents' depressive symptoms are not associated with romantic relationships, regardless of relationship type. The results suggest that it is important to address the stigma surrounding sexual minority status and same-sex relationships to improve the burden of depressive symptoms on sexual minority young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Hsu
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, USA.
| | - Sara Mernitz
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, USA
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4
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Weststrate NM, McLean KC, Fivush R. Intergenerational Storytelling and Positive Psychosocial Development: Stories as Developmental Resources for Marginalized Groups. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2024:10888683241259902. [PMID: 39068536 DOI: 10.1177/10888683241259902] [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: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
ACADEMIC ABSTRACT We articulate an intergenerational model of positive psychosocial development that centers storytelling in an ecological framework and is motivated by an orientation toward social justice. We bring together diverse literature (e.g., racial-ethnic socialization, family storytelling, narrative psychology) to argue that the intergenerational transmission of stories about one's group is equally important for elders and youth, and especially important for groups who are marginalized, because stories provide a developmental resource for resistance and resilience in the face of injustice. We describe how storytelling activities can support positive psychosocial development in culturally dynamic contexts and illustrate our model with a case study involving LGBTQ+ communities, arguing that intergenerational storytelling is uniquely important for this group given issues of access to stories. We argue that harnessing the power of intergenerational storytelling could provide a culturally safe and sustaining practice for fostering psychosocial development among LGBTQ+ people and other equity-seeking populations. PUBLIC ABSTRACT Understanding one's identity as part of a group with shared history and culture that has existed through time is important for positive psychological functioning. This is especially true for marginalized communities for whom identity-relevant knowledge is often erased, silenced, or distorted in mainstream public discourses (e.g., school curricula, news media, television, and film). To compensate for these limitations around access, one channel for the transmission of this knowledge is through oral storytelling between generations of elders and youth. Contemporary psychological science has often assumed that such storytelling occurs within families, but when families cannot or would not share such knowledge, youth suffer. We present a model of intergenerational storytelling that expands our ideas around who counts as "family" and how knowledge can be transmitted through alternative channels, using LGBTQ+ communities as a case example.
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Kiekens WJ, Van der Ploeg R, Fish JN, Salway T, Kaufman TML, Baams L. Trends in Bullying Victimization and Social Unsafety for Sexually and Gender Diverse Students. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:1579-1592. [PMID: 38270823 PMCID: PMC11136792 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-01943-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Research has documented trends in bullying victimization for sexually diverse adolescents in the US, but trends regarding school social unsafety are understudied and there is a dearth of research examining these trends for gender diverse adolescents. This study aimed to identify disparities in bullying victimization and feelings of social unsafety in schools for sexually and gender diverse adolescents. Data stem from the 2014 (N = 15,800; M age = 14.17, SD = 1.50), 2016 (N = 22,310; M age = 14.17, SD = 1.49), and 2018 (N = 10,493; M age = 14.02, SD = 1.52) survey cycles of the Social Safety Monitor, a Dutch cross-sectional school-based study. Findings indicate that sexual orientation disparities remained relatively small, but stable over time, while gender diverse adolescents remained more likely to be victimized and feel unsafe in school, with larger disparities overall. Monitoring these trends is highly relevant, especially considering recent negative developments regarding societal acceptance of sexual and gender diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Kiekens
- Department of Sociology/Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology, (ICS), University of Groningen, Grote Rozenstraat 31, 9712 TG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - R Van der Ploeg
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Grote Rozenstraat 38, 9712 TJ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J N Fish
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Dr., College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - T Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - T M L Kaufman
- Department of Education and Pedagogy, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L Baams
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Grote Rozenstraat 38, 9712 TJ, Groningen, The Netherlands
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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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Rosenfeld D, Ramirez-Valles J. Beyond identity and generations: bringing life course theory to studies of older gay men. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 9:1393607. [PMID: 38813397 PMCID: PMC11134570 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1393607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The last century's numerous, rapid social changes affecting gay men make studies of gay male aging a ripe topic for life course theory, which views later life as the product of historical grounded interchanges between individual lives, social change, and structural contexts. That identifying as gay can occur at any point in the life course widens some life course theorists' primary focus on early-life events to include those occurring throughout the life course. Yet most historically-attentive research on older gay men focuses on generations and identity development rather than on cohorts - groups who entered a system or context at the same time - or on the cumulative, concrete outcomes of encountering social change at a particular point in the life course. This article argues for gay male aging studies' use of life course theory, specifically, its focus on cohort membership's implications for later life, including cumulative disadvantage, in addition to more generationally-focused investigations. After briefly reviewing scholarship on older gay men, we introduce the life course approach and its critique by queer gerontologists for adopting a heteronormative view of the LGBT life course and eliding its distinctive contours. With particular attention to later-life concrete outcomes rather than identity formation, we explore key historical events in gay men's lives that have produced (in the case of the AIDS epidemic) or could produce (for example, the Marriage Equality Act, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy) distinctive gay male cohorts. We then consider intra-cohort variation within gay male cohorts before exploring some the barriers to investigating cohorts and cohort effects among older gay men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rosenfeld
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesus Ramirez-Valles
- School of Medicine, Univeristy of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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8
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Bondarchuk C, Lemon T, Earnshaw V, Rousseau E, Sindelo S, Bekker LG, Butler L, Katz I. Disclosure Events and Psychosocial Well-Being Among Young South African Adults Living with HIV. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10291-5. [PMID: 38658438 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10291-5] [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] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor psychological well-being is both prevalent among South Africans living with HIV and has been associated with poor HIV clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between disclosure and psychological well-being remains unclear. This analysis sought to examine the relationship between two disclosure-related variables, disclosure status and reaction received, and psychosocial well-being among a sample of young adults living with HIV (YALWH) in urban South Africa. METHOD This was a secondary analysis using observational data from Standing Tall, a randomized controlled trial that recruited 100 participants ages 18-24 who tested positive for HIV after initially presenting to two well-established mobile clinics for HIV testing. Interviews investigating primary and secondary outcomes of interest were done at baseline and 6 months following recruitment. RESULTS About half (51%) of participants disclosed their HIV status within 6 months after recruitment. Simple linear regression analyses revealed that disclosure of HIV status within 6 months after study enrollment predicted significantly lower levels of disclosure concerns and internalized stigma (p < 0.05). Reactions to disclosure were not significantly associated with any of the measures of psychosocial well-being considered in this analysis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the act of disclosure among newly diagnosed YALWH may be associated with reductions in internalized stigma. In addition, the finding that the act of disclosure may be a more important determinant of psychosocial well-being than the reaction to disclosure has important implications for interventions designed to promote disclosure and psychosocial well-being in YALWH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiffany Lemon
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Valerie Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Services, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Elzette Rousseau
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Siyaxolisa Sindelo
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Lisa Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ingrid Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Caba AE, Mallory AB, Simon KA, Renley BM, Rathus T, Watson RJ. Sexual Identity Disclosure and Alcohol Experiences Among LGBTQ+ Adolescents. Behav Med 2024; 50:170-180. [PMID: 37036276 PMCID: PMC10562512 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2023.2190078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) report greater alcohol use in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts. Prior research has found that elevated alcohol use among SGMY can be explained by minority stress experiences. Sexual identity outness may be another factor that drives alcohol use among SGMY, given that outness is associated with alcohol use among older sexual and gender minority samples. We examined how patterns of sexual identity outness were associated with lifetime alcohol use, past-30-day alcohol use, and past-30-day heavy episodic drinking. Data were drawn from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey (N = 8884). Participants were SGMY aged 13 to 17 (mean age = 15.59) years living in the US. Latent class analysis was used to identify sexual identity outness patterns. Multinomial regressions were used to examine the probability of class membership by alcohol use. Six outness classes were identified: out to all but teachers (n = 1033), out to siblings and peers (n = 1808), out to siblings and LGBTQ+ peers (n = 1707), out to LGBTQ+ peers (n = 1376), mostly not out (n = 1653), and very much not out (n = 1307). SGMY in classes characterized by greater outness to peers, friends, and family had greater odds of lifetime alcohol use compared with SGMY in classes characterized by lower outness. These findings suggest that SGMY with greater sexual identity outness may be a target for alcohol use prevention programming. Differences in sexual identity outness may be explained by minority stress factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia E. Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Allen B. Mallory
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Campbell Hall 151H, 1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Kay A. Simon
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, 1985 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
| | - Benton M. Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Taylor Rathus
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Ryan J. Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT 06269
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Lim G, Bourne A, Hill A, McNair R, Lyons A, Amos N. Community connection is associated with lower psychological distress for sexual minority women who view community connection positively. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:513-530. [PMID: 37452686 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2231043] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
We examined factors associated with sexual minority women's evaluations of belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Australia, and assessed whether a positive view of community participation impacted levels of psychological distress. 2424 cisgender sexual minority women participated in a national, online, cross-sectional survey of LGBTIQ adult Australians' health and well-being. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with sexual minority women's belonging to the LGBTQ community, feelings towards community connection, and associations between community connection and recent psychological distress. Most sexual minority women (58.9%) reported feeling that they are part of the LGBTQ community, and a majority of the participants felt positive about being connected to this community (68.5%). Participants who were bisexual, non-university educated, and who resided in an outer-suburban location were least likely to evaluate participation in the LGBTQ community positively. Feeling positive about community connection was associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Feeling a part of LGBTQ community was associated with lower psychological distress, but this link appears contingent upon positive feelings about community participation. Sexual minority women's' relationships to the LGBTQ community are often complex, and community connection and participation in and of itself is not a panacea for the negative outcomes associated with sexual minority stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Lim
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Hill
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruth McNair
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalie Amos
- Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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McCauley PS, Del Farno AJ, Caba AE, Renley BM, Shuler S, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Stress of being outed to parents, LGBTQ family support, and depressive symptoms among sexual and gender diverse youth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024; 34:205-221. [PMID: 38282552 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12912] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Limited scholarship has explored how a lack of agency in identity disclosure (being "outed") to parents is associated with mental health experiences of sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY). With a national sample of SGDY (N = 9272; 66.8% White non-Hispanic) aged 13-17 (Mage = 15.63, SD = 1.24), this study first compared social position differences between SGDY who were outed to their parents compared to those not outed, and second, investigated how the stress from being outed to parents was associated with LGBTQ family support and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that SGDY who were outed to their parents reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower amounts of LGBTQ family support than SGDY who were not outed to their parents. In addition, greater stress from being outed to parents was indirectly associated with higher depressive symptoms through lower LGBTQ family support. These relationships significantly varied across gender identity. Findings highlight the importance of instilling greater agency in disclosure experiences among SGDY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S McCauley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alexander J Del Farno
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shaylynne Shuler
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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McCauley PS, Lessard LM, Babcock N, Sun N, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Sexual Minority Youth Reporting SOGIE-Based Harassment to Adults at School: The Roles of Experienced Harassment, Outness, Safety, and Adult Support at School. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:669-684. [PMID: 38055135 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01914-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite a proliferation of bullying prevention programs in recent time, limited work has investigated support-seeking behaviors in response to elevated bullying levels among sexual minority youth (SMY). To address this gap, the current study examined how harassment targeting SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), sexual identity outness, school safety, and perceptions of teacher/staff support were associated with SMY talking to an adult at school about harassment. A large contemporary national sample of SMY (N = 5538) between the ages 13-18 (Mage = 15.53, SD = 1.33) who experienced at least one form of SOGIE-based harassment in the past year was leveraged for analyses. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regressions revealed more frequent SOGIE-based harassment was associated with greater odds of reporting harassment to school personnel, particularly among SMY who felt safe at school. Findings highlight the need for school-based interventions to foster school safety among SMY who experience peer harassment to promote their reporting of this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S McCauley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd., Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Leah M Lessard
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 06103, USA
| | - Nikole Babcock
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd., Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Nora Sun
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd., Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd., Storrs, CT, USA
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13
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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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14
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Cooley CC, Zhang ZM, Denney JT. Sexual Orientation and Age-Related Patterns of Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Adults. LGBT Health 2024; 11:38-46. [PMID: 37486708 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to explore whether and how suicidal ideation differs according to specific sexual orientations (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual orientation) and age groups in gender-stratified analyses. Methods: We identified state health departments from nine U.S. states that collected Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data on both sexual orientation and suicidal ideation from 2011 to 2018 for adults aged 18 and older (n = 113,337). Logistic regression and average marginal effects (AME) were used to examine the likelihood of suicidal ideation by sexual orientation, gender, and age. Results: We found that after important sociodemographic and socioeconomic controls, sexual minority adult men and women experienced significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation than their same-gender heterosexual counterparts. After all adjustments, lesbian women had more than three times higher odds and bisexual women had almost four times higher odds than heterosexual women. Compared with heterosexual men, gay men reported twice higher odds and bisexual men exhibited 3.67 times higher odds of suicidal ideation. Analysis of the AME revealed age-specific disparities. The likelihood of suicidal ideation for bisexual men aged 18-24 years was significantly higher than that for gay and heterosexual men of the same age. Among women, bisexual women closer to middle age (35-44 years) experienced a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation than heterosexual or lesbian women of the same age. Conclusion: The elevated risk of suicidal ideation among sexual minority people throughout different stages of adulthood has important implications for policies and support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb C Cooley
- Department of Sociology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | | | - Justin T Denney
- Department of Sociology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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15
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Clark KA, Pachankis JE, Dougherty LR, Katz BA, Hill KE, Klein DN, Kujawa A. Adolescents' Sexual Orientation and Behavioral and Neural Reactivity to Peer Acceptance and Rejection: The Moderating Role of Family Support. Clin Psychol Sci 2024; 12:115-132. [PMID: 38288008 PMCID: PMC10824405 DOI: 10.1177/21677026231158574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Sexual-minority adolescents frequently endure peer rejection, yet scant research has investigated sexual-orientation differences in behavioral and neural reactions to peer rejection and acceptance. In a community sample of adolescents approximately 15 years old (47.2% female; same-sex attracted: n = 36, exclusively other-sex attracted: n = 310), we examined associations among sexual orientation and behavioral and neural reactivity to peer feedback and the moderating role of family support. Participants completed a social-interaction task while electroencephalogram data were recorded in which they voted to accept/reject peers and, in turn, received peer acceptance/rejection feedback. Compared with heterosexual adolescents, sexual-minority adolescents engaged in more behavioral efforts to ingratiate after peer rejection and demonstrated more blunted neural reactivity to peer acceptance at low, but not medium or high, levels of family support. By using a simulated real-world social-interaction task, these results demonstrate that sexual-minority adolescents display distinct behavioral and neural reactions to peer acceptance and rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University
| | - John E. Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Clinical Psychological Science Public Health
| | | | | | - Kaylin E. Hill
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University
| | | | - Autumn Kujawa
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University
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16
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Siegel M, Nöstlinger C, Dürrauer F, Kirchner S, Niederkrotenthaler T, Zemp M. [Mental health of sexual and gender minority youth in Austria: scoping review and research agenda based on international evidence]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2023; 37:196-205. [PMID: 36316573 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-022-00436-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A robust body of international evidence documents that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other youth with diverse sexual orientations and/or gender identities (i.e., sexual and gender minority youth) face unique mental health vulnerabilities but are also equipped with unique resources. However, it is unclear to what extent these findings are applicable to sexual and gender minority youth in Austria, because the sociolegal and developmental contexts differ across countries. According to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic scoping review (1) to identify published studies on the mental health of sexual and gender minority youth in Austria, and, based on this, (2) to derive research recommendations supplemented by international evidence. We searched five scientific databases (PsycInfo, PSYNDEX, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; March 2022) and additionally contacted researchers and community leaders to find pertinent studies. Only two published empirical studies on the mental health of sexual and gender minority youth in Austria could be located, reflecting the sparse state of research in Austria. Against this background, we outline a detailed research agenda following a socio-ecological approach. Including sexual orientation and non-binary gender identities in population-based studies to assess onset, prevalence, and trajectory of mental health burdens, as well as conducting targeted, resource-based, and developmentally sensitive research on all levels seem paramount to reduce health disparities and societal stigma and to support sexual and gender minority youth in their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Siegel
- Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie, Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich.
| | | | - Flo Dürrauer
- Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie, Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Stefanie Kirchner
- Abteilung für Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Martina Zemp
- Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie, Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
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17
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Bishop MD, Mallory AB, Russell ST. Sexual Minority Identity Development: Latent Profiles of Developmental Milestones in a National Probability Sample. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2023; 10:622-637. [PMID: 38162689 PMCID: PMC10756425 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sexual identity development milestones mark the ages at which sexual minority people first experience key developmental events including same-sex attraction, self-realization of a sexual minority identity, same-sex sexual behavior and romantic relationships, and sexual identity disclosure. Most studies of milestones use variable-centered, rather than person-centered approaches, potentially obscuring diversity in patterns across milestones. Using data from The Generations Study, the first national probability sample of White, Black, and Latinx sexual minority adults in the United States (n = 1,492), we examined variability in milestone timing and patterning using a latent profile analysis approach. We identified four distinct profiles, characterized by variability in milestone mean ages, pacing, and sequences: an early adolescence profile (22.9%), a middle adolescence profile (33.6%), a late adolescence profile (27.6%), and an adulthood profile (15.9%). Profiles were demographically distinct, varying by birth cohort, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, gender identity, and childhood gender nonconformity. Results suggest developmental and demographic diversity in the emergence of sexual identity development across the life course, with implications for sexual minority health and thriving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg D. Bishop
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | - Stephen T. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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18
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Clausen BK, Shepherd JM, Rogers AH, Garey L, Redmond BY, Heggeness L, Zvolensky MJ. Anxiety sensitivity in terms of mental health among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of sexual minority college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-8. [PMID: 38015156 PMCID: PMC11130074 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2277191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Limited work has focused on understanding the function of individual difference factors in terms of mental health among sexual minority college students. Anxiety sensitivity is one individual difference factor which has received substantial empirical attention, but its role is presently understudied among racially/ethnically diverse sexual minority college students.Participants: Participants included a racially and ethnically diverse sample of sexual minority college students (N = 217; Mage = 20.82 years; SD = 3.06).Methods: The present investigation evaluated the role of anxiety sensitivity in relation to anxious arousal, social anxiety, depression, and suicidality.Results: Results indicated that anxiety sensitivity was significantly related to increased anxious arousal, social anxiety, depression, and suicidality after adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, subjective social status, and neuroticism.Conclusions: This investigation provides the first empirical evidence that anxiety sensitivity is related to poorer mental health outcomes for racially/ethnically diverse sexual minority college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce K. Clausen
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andrew H. Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lorra Garey
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brooke Y. Redmond
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luke Heggeness
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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19
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Mernitz S, Hsu J, Bishop MD. Timing to a first relationship among youth: Variability by sexual orientation development. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:3703-3722. [PMID: 38737138 PMCID: PMC11086971 DOI: 10.1177/02654075231185763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Romantic relationships are developmentally salient across the transition to adulthood, yet the timing to a first relationship for sexual minority youth is largely unknown and is complicated by the developmental timing of sexual orientation development. We use the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to predict the timing to a first relationship among heterosexual and sexual minority youth, defined as those with same-sex attraction and/or a sexual minority identity. We examine variability across subgroups of youth with a sexual minority status in adolescence only, in adulthood only, or in both developmental periods, and by gender. Participants with lesbian/gay sexual orientations emerging during adulthood delay a first relationship compared to their heterosexual peers. Those with bisexual orientations only in adulthood enter relationships earlier than their heterosexual peers, particularly women. Results suggest that patterns of dating relationship formations differ by distinct developmental contexts of sexual orientation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mernitz
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jaime Hsu
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Meg D Bishop
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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20
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Salway T, Kinitz DJ, Kia H, Ashley F, Giustini D, Tiwana A, Archibald R, Mallakzadeh A, Dromer E, Ferlatte O, Goodyear T, Abramovich A. A systematic review of the prevalence of lifetime experience with 'conversion' practices among sexual and gender minority populations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291768. [PMID: 37792717 PMCID: PMC10550144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291768] [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] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Conversion practices (CPs) refer to organized attempts to deter people from adopting or expressing non-heterosexual identities or gender identities that differ from their gender/sex assigned at birth. Numerous jurisdictions have contemplated or enacted legislative CP bans in recent years. Syntheses of CP prevalence are needed to inform further public health policy and action. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review describing CP prevalence estimates internationally and exploring heterogeneity across country and socially relevant subgroups. METHODS We performed literature searches in eight databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL, Web of Science, LGBTQ+ Source, and Proquest Dissertations) and included studies from all jurisdictions, globally, conducted after 2000 with a sampling frame of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people, as well as studies of practitioners seeing SGM patients. We used the Hoy et al. risk of bias tool for prevalence studies and summarized distribution of estimates using median and range. RESULTS We identified fourteen articles that reported prevalence estimates among SGM populations, and two articles that reported prevalence estimates from studies of mental health practitioners. Prevalence estimates among SGM samples ranged 2%-34% (median: 8.5). Prevalence estimates were greater in studies conducted in the US (median: 13%), compared to Canada (median: 7%), and greater among transgender (median: 12%), compared to cisgender (median: 4%) subsamples. Prevalence estimates were greatest among people assigned male at birth, whether transgender (median: 10%) or cisgender (median: 8%), as compared to people assigned female at birth (medians: 5% among transgender participants, 3% among cisgender participants). Further differences were observed by race (medians: 8% among Indigenous and other racial minorities, 5% among white groups) but not by sexual orientation. CONCLUSIONS CPs remain prevalent, despite denouncements from professional bodies. Social inequities in CP prevalence signal the need for targeted efforts to protect transgender, Indigenous and racial minority, and assigned-male-at-birth subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J. Kinitz
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hannah Kia
- School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Florence Ashley
- Faculty of Law & Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dean Giustini
- Biomedical Branch Library, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amrit Tiwana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reilla Archibald
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amirali Mallakzadeh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Dromer
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de santé publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Trevor Goodyear
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Abramovich
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Cooper S, Péloquin T, Lachowsky NJ, Salway T, Oliffe JL, Klassen B, Brennan DJ, Houle J, Ferlatte O. Conformity to Masculinity Norms and Mental Health Outcomes Among Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, and Queer Men and Non-Binary Individuals. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231206618. [PMID: 37886907 PMCID: PMC10612460 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231206618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Homophobia and biphobia negatively impact the mental health of gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men and non-binary individuals (GBT2Q) and sexual and gender minority men, but little is known about the impact of gender-related oppression. The current study examines the impact of pressure to conform to masculine norms in Canada-based GBT2Q individuals. Specifically, the associations between (a) gender expression and pressure to be masculine and (b) pressure to be masculine and depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health were investigated. Drawing from an online national cross-sectional survey of 8,977 GBT2Q individuals and sexual and gender minority men living in Canada aged 15 years or older, 56.4% (n = 5,067) of respondents reported experiencing pressure to conform to masculine norms. Respondents were more likely to report masculine pressure if they were younger than 30 years, described their gender expression as fluid, identified their sexuality as queer, were an ethnoracial minority, and were trans. Pressure to be masculine was associated with increased odds of depression, anxiety, and reporting poor or fair mental health. The current study provides evidence of the detrimental impact of pressure to conform to masculine norms on the mental health of gay, bisexual, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men and non-binary peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cooper
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tristan Péloquin
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Lachowsky
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health & Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John L. Oliffe
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Klassen
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J. Brennan
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janie Houle
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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22
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Wiginton JM, Murray SM, Baral SD, Sanchez TH. Targeted Violence as a Risk Factor for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Cisgender Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who have Sex with Men in the United States. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:9739-9764. [PMID: 37118946 PMCID: PMC10527206 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231169755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States (US) are disproportionately exposed to interpersonal violence, which carries a high conditional risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and which is often motivated by sexual prejudice. We determined PTSD prevalence by violence attribution (motivated by sexual prejudice or not) and measured PTSD-attribution associations. Using a 2020 nationwide cross-sectional survey of 2,886 GBMSM who reported ever experiencing interpersonal violence, we performed multivariable modified Poisson regressions with robust variance estimators to examine differences in prevalence of current PTSD by how participants attributed the violence (occurring due to one's same-sex practices, not occurring due to one's same-sex practices, or being unsure if it occurred due to one's same-sex practices). Model results are reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median age was 27 years; 78.8% of participants identified as gay, and 62.2% were non-Hispanic White. Violence was attributed to same-sex practices by 45.8% of participants; 46.3% did not make this attribution, and 7.0% were unsure (0.9% preferred not to answer). Overall, 23.0% screened positive for PTSD, and PTSD prevalence was greater for those who attributed violence to same-sex practices (25.9% [342/1,321]; aPR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.34, 1.79]) and those who were unsure (33.5% [68/203]; aPR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.44, 2.25]) compared to those who did not make the attribution (18.1% [242/1,335]). Age modified this association, with participants 15 to 19 years old who made the attribution being significantly more likely to have PTSD relative to 20+ participants who also made the attribution. In addition to violence-prevention and stigma-mitigation efforts, interventions targeting attribution styles may be useful for violence-exposed GBMSM, especially teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego State University, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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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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24
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Hammack PL, Wignall L. Sexual and gender diversity in the twenty-first century. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101616. [PMID: 37418831 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA.
| | - Liam Wignall
- Department of Psychology, University of Brighton, UK
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25
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Layland EK, Bränström R, Murchison GR, Pachankis JE. Kept in the Closet: Structural Stigma and the Timing of Sexual Minority Developmental Milestones Across 28 European Countries. J Youth Adolesc 2023:10.1007/s10964-023-01818-2. [PMID: 37410349 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Structural stigma's role in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people's attainment of identity development milestones remains unknown. In a sample of 111,498 LGB people (ages 15 to 65+) living across 28 European countries, associations were investigated between structural stigma measured using an objective index of discriminatory country-level laws and policies affecting LGB people and the timing and pacing of LGB self-awareness, coming out, and closet duration, and subgroup differences in these associations. On average, self-awareness occurred at age 14.8 years old (SD = 5.1), coming out occurred at 18.5 years old (SD = 5.7), and the closet was 3.9 years long (SD = 4.9); thereby highlighting adolescence as a key period for sexual identity development and disclosure. Greater structural stigma was associated with higher odds of never coming out, later age of coming out, and longer closet duration. Gender identity, transgender identity, and sexual identity moderated associations between structural stigma and these developmental milestones. Reducing structural stigma can plausibly promote sexual identity development among LGB populations, especially during adolescence when identity related milestones are often attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Layland
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 111 Alison Hall West, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - R Bränström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G R Murchison
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - J E Pachankis
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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26
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Pachankis JE, Jackson SD. A Developmental Model of the Sexual Minority Closet: Structural Sensitization, Psychological Adaptations, and Post-closet Growth. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1869-1895. [PMID: 35978203 PMCID: PMC9935753 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Across the lifespan, most sexual minority individuals experience the closet-a typically prolonged period in which no significant others know their sexual identity. This paper positions the closet as distinct from stigma concealment given its typical duration in years and absolute removal from sources of support for an often-central identity typically during a developmentally sensitive period. The Developmental Model of the Closet proposed here delineates the vicarious learning that takes place before sexual orientation awareness to shape one's eventual experience of the closet; the stressors that take place after one has become aware of their sexual orientation but has not yet disclosed it, which often takes place during adolescence; and potential lifespan-persistent mental health effects of the closet, as moderated by the structural, interpersonal, cultural, and temporal context of disclosure. The paper outlines the ways in which the model both draws upon and is distinct from earlier models of sexual minority identity formation and proposes several testable hypotheses and future research directions, including tests of multilevel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Suite 316, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Skyler D Jackson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Mitsdarffer ML, McColl R, Nescott E, Bianchetta J, Layland EK, Tóth T. LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness in Delaware:: Building a Case for Targeted Surveillance and Assessment of LGBTQ+ Youth Needs and Experiences. Dela J Public Health 2023; 9:80-86. [PMID: 37622145 PMCID: PMC10445598 DOI: 10.32481/djph.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In this article, we examine the issue of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in Delaware, summarize current services available and prior research work that has been done, examining the number, needs, and experiences of unaccompanied unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. Methods We provide a literature review detailing risks associated with LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, resources available, and prior studies and surveys examining this population. Results LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to physical and mental health challenges, abuse, and violence. The unique needs of this population necessitate specialized resources, yet there are a limited number of such resources available in Delaware and a dearth of information on youth homelessness in general, including LGBTQ+ youth. For example, administrative barriers exist for unaccompanied queer youth seeking shelter services, such as need for legal identification or being grouped in shelter populations based on sex assigned at birth rather than gender identity. Exposure to unsafe environments is a general problem for queer youth. This can make public spaces feel unsafe and increase risk of physical or mental harm, mistreatment, or abuse when seeking shelter outside of agency services and resources. In order to accurately identify and appropriately serve this population, additional research is necessary. Conclusions Evidence building is a critical first step in creating an effective study to examine the issue of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in Delaware. With the evidence acquired in our literature review our next step to establish an informed methodology is to hold service provider and LGBTQ+ lived experience focus groups. Through a qualitative approach we aim to learn how to appropriately utilize the quantitative tools identified in our analysis and to assess what questions are missing to advance the needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louise Mitsdarffer
- Assistant Professor, Center for Community Research & Service, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware
| | - Rebecca McColl
- Associate Policy Scientist, Center for Community Research & Service, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware
| | - Erin Nescott
- Associate Policy Scientist, Center for Community Research & Service, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware
| | | | - Eric K Layland
- Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware
| | - Tibor Tóth
- Assistant Professor, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware
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Martin-Storey A, Benner AD. Real and assumed sexual minority status: Longitudinal associations with depressive symptoms. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2023; 33:404-417. [PMID: 36458494 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority status persists in being linked to poorer adolescent mental health. Using a longitudinal sample (N = 845), we examined how youth's own same-gender attraction and their perceptions of peers' beliefs about their same-gender attraction (i.e., assumed attraction) were associated with trajectories of depressive symptoms from grade eight (when students are typically 13-14 years old) to grade 10. Reporting either same-gender attraction, assumed same-gender attraction or both were associated with higher initial levels of depressive symptoms that persisted over time compared to youth with real and assumed other-gender attraction only. These links were partially mediated by experiences of discrimination. Findings suggest the importance of understanding adolescent perceptions of peer beliefs in the association between same-gender attraction and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Martin-Storey
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aprile D Benner
- Human Development and Families Sciences & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Ben Hagai E. Changes in Lesbian identity in the 21st century. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 49:101508. [PMID: 36476343 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A review of influential research on lesbian identity since the turn of the 21st century suggests changes in the experience and meaning of lesbian identity and community. The journey of adolescent women to lesbian identity is marked by an exploration of attractions and sexual behavior with people of different genders. Whereas some lesbians come to see their identity as immutable, others see it as fluid. With shifts in political goals and the dismantling of the gender binary, the meaning of lesbian identity is contested. The multiplicity in meaning and differences among lesbian women challenges a sense of belonging in lesbian communities, nevertheless, the centrality of lesbian friendship and networks of care sustain lesbians across their life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Ben Hagai
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton, N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA.
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30
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Bishop MD, Ioverno S, Russell ST. Sexual minority youth's mental health and substance use: The roles of victimization, cybervictimization, and non-parental adult support. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 42:5075-5087. [PMID: 38344657 PMCID: PMC10857851 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Victimization is a well-established driver of sexual minority youth's (SMY) mental health and substance use risk. The current study examined and extended this research by exploring how victimization, cybervictimization, and non-parental supportive adults contribute to SMY's vulnerability to poor mental health and substance use. Using data from the first representative sample of Texas youth that measures sexual identity, we analyzed sex-stratified models of the association between sexual identity, mental health, and substance use, and the confounding effects of victimization, cybervictimization, and non-parental adult support. Victimization was more common among SMY and accounted for a greater proportion of sexual identity disparities on mental health and substance use, especially for males. Sexual minority females were more likely to report cybervictimization than heterosexual youth, and cybervictimization was associated with mental health risk. SMY reported fewer available non-parental supportive adults, which was associated with more sadness, suicidality, and polysubstance use. Our study adds to extant evidence that victimization drives SMY's increased susceptibility to mental health and substance use risk. Schools should implement inclusive policies that prohibit bullying based on sexual minority identity and offer professional development opportunities for supporting SMY.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg D. Bishop
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop A2702, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Salvatore Ioverno
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, St. Pietersnieuwstraat 33, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephen T. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop A2702, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Fish JN, Kapostasy S, Russell ST. Be YOU!: A Collaborative Effort to Address Minority Stress for LGBTQ+ Youth in School Settings. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN SOCIAL SERVICES 2022; 35:434-455. [PMID: 38322581 PMCID: PMC10846892 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2022.2148036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
LGBTQ youth often experience unsafe school climates and are at greater risk for compromised mental health relative to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The psychological mediation model posits that these health inequities are produced by minority stress, which operates through several key mechanisms: rumination, emotion regulation, and coping. Efforts towards designing social services that might address these mechanisms, and thus improve LGBTQ youth wellbeing, are limited. Informed by empirical research and therapeutic practices, Be YOU! was conceived as a school-based empowerment program that provides LGBTQ youth with an accessible, safe space where they build skills to reduce rumination and promote emotion regulation and coping strategies for dealing with minority stressors. Developed collaboratively between a local LGBTQ youth center, a local school-based community organization, and university researchers, the Be YOU! partnership effectively circumvented barriers to accessing social services for LGBTQ youth. Findings from the pilot program evaluation showed that youth participation was associated with increased emotion regulation and decreased rumination. The practical impact on and positive feedback from LGBTQ youth suggest that there are measurable benefits and long-term promise in strategic multi-sector partnerships that address social services needs of LGBTQ youth and strengthen their ability to navigate minority stress.
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Campbell A, Perales F, Hughes TL, Everett BG, Baxter J. Sexual Fluidity and Psychological Distress: What Happens When Young Women's Sexual Identities Change? JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 63:577-593. [PMID: 35343846 DOI: 10.1177/00221465221086335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The sexual identities of young women today are less binary and more fluid than ever before. Several theoretical perspectives imply that this fluidity could be accompanied by distress. To examine this, we analyzed four waves of data from Australian women born 1989 to 1995 (n = 11,527). We found no evidence of a universal association between sexual identity change and psychological distress. Instead, psychological distress was elevated when women changed their identity away from the heterosexual norm and lowered when they changed their identity toward it. Social stress partly attenuated these associations. In addition, women unsure of their identity at multiple assessment points reported significantly greater psychological distress in the final assessment than women who were never unsure. Our findings suggest that greater support should be offered to women who are questioning their sexual identity or developing a minority identity.
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Intersectional stigma subgroup differences in unhealthy drinking and disordered marijuana use among Black and Latino cisgender sexual minority young men. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 241:109652. [PMID: 36332595 PMCID: PMC10082566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109652] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated associations of intersectional stigma subgroups with alcohol and marijuana use among Black and Latino sexual minority young men. Subgroups included Minimal Stigma (low to no stigma), Select Social Stigma (occasional stigma in social relationships), Multiform Heterosexism (internalized and interpersonal heterosexism from family/friends), Multiform Racism (racism across diverse contexts), Compound Stigma (frequent, ubiquitous racism and heterosexism). METHODS Cohort of Black and Latino cisgender sexual minority young men (n = 414; baseline ages 16-25) surveyed semiannually 2016-2019. Generalized estimating equations integrated with latent class analysis modeled linear and quadratic age effects and association of stigma subgroups with past 6-month alcohol use, marijuana use, unhealthy drinking, and marijuana use disorder symptoms. RESULTS All past 6-month substance use peaked between ages 21-23 years old. Across all ages and relative to Minimal Stigma, odds of drinking were higher in every subgroup and highest in Compound Stigma (OR=2.72, 95% CI 1.17-6.35); unhealthy drinking was higher in every subgroup and highest in Multiform Heterosexism (β = 3.31, 95% CI 1.92-3.89); marijuana use disorder symptoms were higher in most subgroups and highest in Compound Stigma (β = 1.30, 95% CI 0.76-1.85). Marijuana use odds did not differ among groups. CONCLUSION By examining intersectional stigma subgroups, we identified subgroups for whom substance use was elevated during a development period when use tends to be highest. Young men experiencing stigma patterns characterized primarily by heterosexism or heterosexism together with racism may be especially at risk for developing unhealthy drinking behaviors and marijuana use disorder symptoms.
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Fish JN, Russell ST. The paradox of progress for sexual and gender diverse youth. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101498. [PMID: 36401907 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101498] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In this essay, we explore diversity in sexual and gender identities, with a focus on implications of the current politicized moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth. As youth come out at younger ages, their personal identity development collides with the adolescence period characterized by peer influence, stigma, and possible victimization. We consider the changing and diverse experiences of coming out in adolescence for sexual and gender diverse youth. The current social and political moment offers possibilities for new identities, yet anti-LGBTQ + legislative and policy actions have crucial implications for health and wellbeing for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Fish
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland, 4200 Valley Drive, Suite 2242, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 108 E Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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35
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Clark KA, Salway T, McConocha EM, Pachankis JE. How do sexual and gender minority people acquire the capability for suicide? Voices from survivors of near-fatal suicide attempts. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100044. [PMID: 35845718 PMCID: PMC9282160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite well-documented disparities by sexual and gender minority (SGM) status in suicide attempt and mortality rates, few studies have investigated the lived experiences that contribute to SGM people's disproportionate risk of suicide. Having a history of at least one near-fatal (or medically serious) suicide attempt serves as a proxy for suicide mortality, but no known study has involved SGM people who have made such an attempt. Ideation-to-action theories of suicide posit that individuals acquire the capability for suicide through repeated exposure to painful and provocative events - namely, traumatic, threatening, and risky experiences - that can diminish the pain and fear of death. Yet whether identity-specific features of acquired capability for suicide contribute to SGM people's disproportionate risk of suicide remains unknown. Drawing upon interviews with 22 SGM people who experienced a recent near-fatal suicide attempt, the current study sought to identify specific determinants of how SGM individuals acquire the capability to kill themselves, a potentially powerful, and modifiable, pathway to suicide. Results identified three SGM-specific contributors to the acquired capability for suicide: (1) identity invalidation during developmentally sensitive periods of childhood and adolescence that left participants feeling erased, invisible, and, in some cases, non-existent; (2) normalization of suicide within SGM social networks that increased acceptability and reduced the fear of suicide; and (3) structural stigma and SGM community trauma as habituating sources of pain that engendered feelings of exhaustion and positioned suicide as a reprieve from pervasive anti-SGM norms. This study demonstrates that dominant suicidology theories might need to be refined to account for the stigma-related determinants of SGM suicide. Further, this study reinforces the importance of qualitative methods for understanding the lived experience of suicide and calls for SGM-specific suicide prevention efforts to respond to stigma to support those SGM people who contemplate suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, United States
- Corresponding. Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, United States. (K.A. Clark)
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada
| | | | - John E. Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, United States
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36
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Clark KA, Harvey TD, Hughto JM, Meyer IH. Mental Health Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Incarcerated in Juvenile Corrections. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022058158. [PMID: 36385576 PMCID: PMC9724172 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined differences by sexual and gender minority (SGM) and incarceration statuses in mental health indicators among youth. METHODS Population-based, cross-sectional data are from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 72 324) and includes public school students (Mage = 15.49) and youth incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities (Mage = 15.48). We categorized youth into 4 groups: (1) non-SGM youth in public schools, (2) non-SGM youth in correctional facilities, (3) SGM youth in public schools, and (4) SGM youth in correctional facilities. Multivariable regression models assessed associations among SGM and incarceration statuses and mental health indicators after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to adverse childhood experiences. RESULTS More youth in juvenile correctional facilities identified as SGM (28.8%) compared with youth in public schools (20.4%, P = .002). SGM youth in correctional facilities reported a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (42.2%), suicide attempt (37.5%), and self-harm (57.8%) compared with all other groups. Depressive symptom severity was similarly elevated among SGM youth in correctional facilities and SGM youth in public schools. SGM youth in correctional facilities, compared with non-SGM youth in public schools, demonstrated elevated odds of suicide ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.3-3.9), suicide attempt (aOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 3.6-10.9), and self-harm (aOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.1-6.3). CONCLUSIONS Incarcerated SGM youth disproportionately experience negative mental health indicators. Findings suggest that tailored, intersectional, and responsive mental health interventions are needed to support incarcerated SGM youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Program in Public Policy Studies
- LGBTQ+ Policy Lab, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Tyler D. Harvey
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jaclyn M.W. Hughto
- Departments of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Epidemiology, School of Public Health
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ilan H. Meyer
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California
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Russell ST, Mallory AB, Fish JN, Frost DM, Hammack PL, Lightfoot M, Lin A, Wilson BD, Meyer IH. Distribution and Prevalence of Health in a National Probability Sample of Three Cohorts of Sexual Minority Adults in the United States. LGBT Health 2022; 9:564-570. [PMID: 35856801 PMCID: PMC9734014 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the health profile of a national probability sample of three cohorts of sexual minority people, and the ways that indicators of health vary among sexual minority people across age cohorts and other defining sociodemographic characteristics, including sexual identity, gender identity, and race/ethnicity. Methods: The Generations Study, the first national probability sample of three age cohorts of sexual minority people (n = 1507) in the United States collected in 2016-2017, was used to examine general health profiles across several broad domains: alcohol and drug abuse; general health, physical health, and health disability; mental health and psychological distress; and positive well-being, including general happiness, social well-being, and life satisfaction. Results: There were no cohort differences in substance abuse or positive well-being. The younger cohort was physically healthier, but had worse psychological health than both the middle and older cohorts. Conclusions: Cohort differences in physical health were consistent with patterns of aging, whereas for mental health, there were distinct cohort differences among sexual minority people. Given that compromised mental health in the early life course creates trajectories of vulnerability, these results point to the need for mental health prevention and intervention for younger cohorts of sexual minority people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Address correspondence to: Stephen T. Russell, PhD, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, 108 E. Dean Keeton Street, Stop A2702, Austin, TX 78712-1248, USA
| | - Allen B. Mallory
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica N. Fish
- Department of Family Science, Prevention Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - David M. Frost
- Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip L. Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bianca D.M. Wilson
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ilan H. Meyer
- The Williams Institute, School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Álvarez RG, Parra LA, Ten Brummelaar M, Avraamidou L, López ML. Resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care: A scoping review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 129:105660. [PMID: 35525034 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care has mainly focused on these youth's adversities and the resulting negative impact on their wellbeing. Little is known about the ways through which LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care are resilient to these adversities. To date, a review study on resilience in this population is lacking. OBJECTIVE To map and synthesize the existing research on resilience among LGBTQIA+ children and youth in out-of-home care. Specific goals were to summarize and analyze 1) the general characteristics of the existing studies, and 2) the resilience resources found at the individual, relational, sociocultural, and ecological levels. METHODS We carried out a scoping review examining empirical published academic literature. RESULTS The 14 studies included in this scoping review indicated that resilience studies among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care are mainly qualitative, cross-sectional, US-based, and were centered on gay youth. Studies suggested that resilience resources were mostly focused at the socio/relational level (e.g., foster family acceptance) with fewer studies at the individual (e.g., LGBTQ positive identity), and community levels (e.g., LGBTQ centers). Importantly, no studies explored the interaction of resilience resources across these different domains. CONCLUSIONS Resilience among LGBTQIA+ youth in out-of-home care remains understudied and the results of this scoping review point to specific research gaps. Recommendations are provided for research, practice, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Armando Parra
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in Saint Louis, MO, United States of America.
| | | | - Lucy Avraamidou
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mónica López López
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Stigma changes over time: it waxes and wanes through history, is manifested within humans who develop over time and is tied to statuses (such as attributes, illnesses and identities) that have varying courses. Despite the inherent fluidity of stigma, theories, research and interventions typically treat associations between stigma and health as stagnant. Consequently, the literature provides little insight into when experiences of stigma are most harmful to health and when stigma interventions should be implemented. In this Perspective, we argue that integrating time into stigma research can accelerate progress towards understanding and intervening in associations between stigma and health inequities. We situate time in relation to key concepts in stigma research, identify three timescales that are relevant for understanding stigma (historical context, human development and status course), and outline a time-based research agenda to improve scientists’ ability to understand and address stigma to improve health. Associations between stigma and health are typically treated as stagnant. In this Perspective, Earnshaw et al. argue that considering stigma in relation to historical, human development and status course timescales can advance progress in understanding and addressing stigma to improve health.
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Frost DM, Meyer IH, Lin A, Wilson BDM, Lightfoot M, Russell ST, Hammack PL. Social Change and the Health of Sexual Minority Individuals: Do the Effects of Minority Stress and Community Connectedness Vary by Age Cohort? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2299-2316. [PMID: 35411489 PMCID: PMC9192485 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02288-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which social stress stemming from a stigmatized social status (i.e., minority stress) was associated with three domains of health in younger as compared with older age cohorts of sexual minority individuals. Data were analyzed from the Generations Study, a longitudinal study using a probability sample (N = 1518) of age cohorts of sexual minority individuals in the USA. Exposure to a variety of minority stressors was associated with poorer health for all age cohorts. We hypothesized that because of improved social and legal environments in recent years, the associations between minority stress and health would be diminished in the younger cohort. As expected, we found that the associations between some minority stressors and health outcomes were diminished in the younger cohort compared to older cohorts. Positive associations between community connectedness and mental health and social well-being were observed for all participants but were attenuated in the younger cohort. Findings demonstrate the continuing negative association between minority stress and health among sexual minorities, which, despite some attenuation, persists even for young cohorts of sexual minority individuals in a more equal and accepting social climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Frost
- Social Research Institute, University College London, 27-28 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0AA, UK.
| | - Ilan H Meyer
- The Williams Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andy Lin
- The Williams Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bianca D M Wilson
- The Williams Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Phillip L Hammack
- Psychology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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Turpin RE, Williams ND, Akré ERL, Boekeloo BO, Fish JN. Trends in Health Care Access/Experiences: Differential Gains across Sexuality and Sex Intersections before and after Marriage Equality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5075. [PMID: 35564470 PMCID: PMC9101359 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority adults experience several health care access inequities compared to their heterosexual peers; such inequities may be affected by LGBTQ+ legislation, such as the 2015 national marriage equality ruling. METHODS Using population-based data (n = 28,463) from the Association of American Medical Colleges biannual Consumer Survey of Health Care Access, we calculated trend ratios (TR) for indicators of health care access (e.g., insurance coverage, delaying or forgoing care due to cost) and satisfaction (e.g., general satisfaction, being mistreated due to sexual orientation) from 2013 to 2018 across sexuality and sex. We also tested for changes in trends related to the 2015 marriage equality ruling using interrupted time series trend interactions (TRInt). RESULTS The largest increases in access were observed in gay men (TR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.28, 4.57). Bisexual men had decreases in access over this period (TR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22, 0.99). Only gay men had a significant increase in the health care access trend after U.S. national marriage equality (TRInt = 5.59, 95% CI 2.00, 9.18), while other sexual minority groups did not. CONCLUSIONS We found that trends in health care access and satisfaction varied significantly across sexualities and sex. Our findings highlight important disparities in how federal marriage equality has benefited sexual minority groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E. Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Natasha D. Williams
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (N.D.W.); (J.N.F.)
| | - Ellesse-Roselee L. Akré
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Bradley O. Boekeloo
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Jessica N. Fish
- Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (N.D.W.); (J.N.F.)
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de Lange J, Baams L, van Bergen DD, Bos HMW, Bosker RJ. Minority Stress and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among LGBT Adolescents and Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis. LGBT Health 2022; 9:222-237. [PMID: 35319281 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This meta-analytic study examined associations between minority stressors and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among LGBT adolescents and young adults (aged 12-25 years). Methods: Identified studies were screened using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies had to include an association between a minority stressor and a suicidality outcome and were categorized into 10 meta-analyses. Overall effect sizes were calculated using three-level meta-analyses. In addition, moderation by sampling strategy was examined. Results: A total of 44 studies were included. Overall, LGBT bias-based victimization, general victimization, bullying, and negative family treatment were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts. Associations of discrimination and internalized homophobia and transphobia with suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts were not significant. No moderation effects were found for sampling strategy. Conclusion: Although overall effect sizes were small, our meta-analytic study shows a clear link between various types of minority stressors and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among LGBT adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer de Lange
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baams
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana D van Bergen
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henny M W Bos
- Department of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel J Bosker
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Parmar DD, Tabler J, Okumura MJ, Nagata JM. Investigating Protective Factors Associated With Mental Health Outcomes in Sexual Minority Youth. J Adolesc Health 2022; 70:470-477. [PMID: 34887197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the efficacy of adolescent protective factors against mental health (MH) outcomes in young adulthood of sexual minority identifying youth (SMY). METHODS Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we identified potential protective factors (e.g., individual factors like self-esteem, family factors like family communication, and community factors like caring teachers) at baseline (1994) when the sample was school-aged for SMY. SMY included those who identified their sexual identity as mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly homosexual, or 100% homosexual. MH outcomes (depression, anxiety, or suicidality) were assessed at 14-year follow-up. RESULTS Approximately 14,800 youth completed baseline and follow-up surveys, where 13.5% identified as SMY. Of SMY, 57% had a MH outcome compared to 37% of non-SMY (p < .05). Not all factors were protective for SMY. At the individual level, emotional well-being (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] .56, 95% confidence interval [CI] .41-.78) and self-esteem (AOR .79, 95% CI .66-.95) were found to be protective for MH outcomes in regression models. At the family level, family connectedness (AOR .82, 95% CI .71-.95) was found to be protective. At the community level, school connectedness (AOR .78, 95% CI .66-.92) and caring teachers (AOR .76, 95% CI .58-.99) were found to be protective for SMY. CONCLUSION Factors at the individual, family, and community (e.g., caring teachers) levels appear to be protective against MH outcomes unique to SMY. Developing interventions focused on protective factors have potential to prevent health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika D Parmar
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Jennifer Tabler
- Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Megumi J Okumura
- Divisions of General Pediatrics and General Internal Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Philip R Lee Institute of Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Caba AE, Mallory AB, Simon KA, Rathus T, Watson RJ. Complex Outness Patterns Among Sexual Minority Youth: A Latent Class Analysis. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:746-765. [PMID: 35150376 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prior scholarship has documented health-relevant consequences of sexual minority youth (SMY) sexual identity disclosure (i.e., "outness"), yet most of the extant work focuses on one social context at a time and/or measures outness as dichotomous: out or not out. However, SMY are out in some contexts (e.g., family, friends) and not in others, and to varying degrees (e.g., to some friends, but not to all). Using a national sample of 8884 SMY ages 13-17 (45% cisgender female, 67% White, 38% gay/lesbian and 34% bisexual, and 36% from the U.S. South), this study used latent class analysis to identify complex patterns of outness among SMY, as well differences in class membership by demographics, depression, family rejection, and bullying. The results indicated six distinct classes: out to all but teachers (n = 1033), out to siblings and peers (n = 1808), out to siblings and LGBTQ peers (n = 1707), out to LGBTQ peers (n = 1376), mostly not out (n = 1653), and very much not out (n = 1307). The findings reveal significant differences in class membership by age, sexual identity, gender identity, race and ethnicity, geography, and well-being outcomes. Moreover, these findings underscore the complex role of outness across social contexts in shaping health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Allen B Mallory
- College of Education & Human Ecology Department of Human Sciences Program of Human Development & Family Sciences Campbell Hall 130C, 1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kay A Simon
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Taylor Rathus
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Zhao Z, Toomey RB, Anhalt K. Sexual orientation disclosure to classmates among Latinx sexual minority high school and college youth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2021; 31:1235-1245. [PMID: 34820952 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12664] [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: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined how minority stressors mediate the association between sexual orientation disclosure to classmates and well-being in a sample of 238 Latinx sexual minority youth (SMY; age range: 14-24 years). Results indicated that sexual orientation disclosure to classmates was associated with higher levels of sexual orientation-based victimization, which contributed to higher levels of internalized homonegativity, which ultimately contributed to higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. Sexual orientation-based victimization and internalized homonegativity were positively associated with depressive symptoms and negatively associated with self-esteem but sexual orientation disclosure to classmates was only positively associated with depressive symptoms. Associations between sexual orientation-based victimization and internalized homonegativity were stronger among college Latinx SMY compared to SMY in high school.
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Pachankis JE, Clark KA, Klein DN, Dougherty LR. Early Timing and Determinants of the Sexual Orientation Disparity in Internalizing Psychopathology: A Prospective Cohort Study from Ages 3 to 15. J Youth Adolesc 2021; 51:458-470. [PMID: 34731394 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-021-01532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Knowing the age at which the sexual orientation disparity in depression and anxiety symptoms first emerges and the early determinants of this disparity can suggest optimal timing and targets of supportive interventions. This prospective cohort study of children ages 3 to 15 (n = 417; 10.6% same-sex-attracted; 47.2% assigned female at birth) and their parents sought to determine the age at which the sexual orientation disparity in depression and anxiety symptoms first emerges and whether peer victimization and poor parental relationships mediate this disparity. Same-sex-attracted youth first demonstrated significantly higher depression symptoms at age 12 and anxiety symptoms at age 15 than exclusively other-sex-attracted youth. Age 12 peer victimization mediated the sexual orientation disparity in age 15 depression symptoms. Age 12 poor mother-child relationship mediated the sexual orientation disparity in age 15 anxiety symptoms. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for developmentally appropriate interventions against social stress during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Kirsty A Clark
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, 300 Calhoun Hall, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Daniel N Klein
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Lea R Dougherty
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Scheer JR, Edwards KM, Helminen EC, Watson RJ. Victimization Typologies Among a Large National Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents. LGBT Health 2021; 8:507-518. [PMID: 34619055 PMCID: PMC9022181 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The overall objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that victimization exposure among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth would result in different latent classes and that victimization exposure class membership would relate to demographic, SGM-specific risk and protective factors, and health variables. Methods: Between April 2017 and December 2017, SGM youth (N = 17,112) aged 13-17 years completed self-report online surveys as part of the LGBTQ National Teen Survey. Data were analyzed between August 2020 and November 2020. Results: Three classes emerged: (1) no victimization exposure, (2) sexual harassment and bullying, and (3) poly-victimization (sexual victimization, sexual harassment, SGM-based bullying, and non-SGM bullying). The results demonstrated that victimization experiences co-occur disproportionately in vulnerable subpopulations of SGM youth, including those who identify as transgender or other gender minority, who are experiencing stigma-related stress and family rejection, and who had disclosed their sexual orientation to family members/parents. SGM youth who reported a diversity of strengths seemed to be protected against victimization. Finally, SGM youth in the sexual harassment and bullying class and the poly-victimization class were more likely to report depressive symptoms, self-perceived stress, and substance use than were SGM youth in the no victimization class, regardless of sex assigned at birth. Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgency with which affirmative prevention and intervention initiatives are needed for SGM youth to reduce risk factors for and correlates of victimization experiences. The data also underscore the importance of addressing SGM-specific risk and protective factors as part of comprehensive violence-related initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Katie M Edwards
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Williams RD, Gutierrez A. Increased Likelihood of Forced Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Violence, and Sexual Dating Violence Victimization Among Sexual Minority Youth. J Community Health 2021; 47:193-200. [PMID: 34559329 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-01033-9] [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] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sexual violence victimization among adolescents, specifically sexual minority youth, is a significant public health concern. The purpose of this study was to compare sexual violence victimization rates among sexual minority and heterosexual youth using nationally representative data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System. Results indicated that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth were significantly more likely than heterosexual youth (p < .05) to experience sexual violence (22.3% vs. 9.1%), sexual dating violence (16.3% vs. 6.4%), and forced sexual intercourse (17.6% vs. 5.9%). Among sexual minority youth, female participants were more likely than male participants (p < .05) to experience sexual violence (23.5% vs. 18.0%), sexual dating violence (17.2% vs. 11.6%), and forced sexual intercourse (19.0% vs. 13.1%). This study identified varying rates of sexual violence victimization among a national sample of youth while examining the differences between heterosexual and sexual minority communities. The additional behavioral risks experienced by sexual minority youth should be further researched to determine impact on overall quality of life and to help guide health education intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald D Williams
- Public Health, Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, Jowers Center, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Analise Gutierrez
- Public Health, Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, Jowers Center, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
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Scandurra C, Carbone A, Baiocco R, Mezzalira S, Maldonato NM, Bochicchio V. Gender Identity Milestones, Minority Stress and Mental Health in Three Generational Cohorts of Italian Binary and Nonbinary Transgender People. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9057. [PMID: 34501646 PMCID: PMC8430636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people experience high rates of minority stress and associated risk for negative health outcomes. However, during the last years, significant positive socio-cultural changes have happened, and younger cohorts of TGNC individuals are having diverse experiences compared to older cohorts. By integrating the minority stress theory and the life course perspective, this cross-sectional, web-based study aimed to explore in 197 Italian TGNC people aged 18 to 54 years (M = 29.82, SD = 9.64) whether the average ages of gender identity milestones (i.e., first insights about being TGNC, self-labeling as a TGNC person, and coming out), minority stress, and mental health vary among three generational cohorts (i.e., Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X). Compared with older cohorts, younger participants: (a) were more likely to be in the trans-masculine spectrum; (b) self-labeled as TGNC and came out earlier; (c) had more negative expectations and lower levels of disclosure; and (d) had higher levels of mental health problems. No generational differences related to first insights about being TGNC and distal minority stressors were found. Furthermore, compared with binary individuals, participants with a non-binary identity: (a) reported later ages for the gender identity milestones; (b) had higher negative expectations; and (c) had higher levels of mental health problems. Overall, our findings indicated that changes in the social environments have a limited impact on stigmatization processes and mental health of Italian TGNC people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Scandurra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Agostino Carbone
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Selene Mezzalira
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35139 Padova, Italy;
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Bochicchio
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy;
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