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McCauley PS, Morgan E, Caba AE, Renley BM, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services, happiness with social support, and anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse individuals. AIDS Care 2024; 36:682-691. [PMID: 38451740 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2326126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive treatment for HIV, anticipated PrEP stigma can hinder uptake. Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention and evaluations (e.g., happiness) tied to social support among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals could be important correlates of anticipated PrEP stigma. To further this line of inquiry, a national sample of 872 Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who had and had never taken PrEP (Mage = 25.1, SD = 2.8) reported how they perceived HIV prevention and how happy they were with their social support. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that greater perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services were associated with higher anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who have never taken PrEP. Greater happiness with friend support was associated with lower PrEP stigma, whereas greater happiness with family support was associated with higher PrEP stigma among individuals who have taken PrEP. Findings highlight the need for PrEP and HIV interventions to address the intersectional stigma attached to prevention and for researchers to understand how evaluations of social support may contribute to stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S McCauley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CA, US
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, US
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, US
| | - Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CA, US
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CA, US
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CA, US
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CA, US
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Caba AE, Christophe NK, Renley BM, Simon KA, Feinstein BA, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Measurement invariance of the LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale among LGBTQ+ youth. J Res Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 38616300 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale (LGBT-PCMS) is a widely used measure of intersectional microaggression experiences among sexual and gender minority people of color. Although it is widely used-and increasingly used in adolescent and young adult samples-it is unknown whether the LGBT-PCMS demonstrates similar measurement properties across subgroups of sexual and gender minority youth of color (SGMYOC). Among 4142 SGMYOC (ages 13-17) we found evidence for either partial or full scalar invariance (item loadings and intercepts were generally equal) across sexual orientation, race-ethnicity, and gender identity groups for all three subscales. Specific patterns of invariance and noninvariance across groups, as well as implications for the use of the LGBT-PCMS and its subscales among SGMYOC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kay A Simon
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian A Feinstein
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut, 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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Renley BM, Argenyi MS, Mereish EH, Watson RJ. Experiences of stress and social safety among sexual and gender minority youth by disability status. Disabil Health J 2024:101614. [PMID: 38521733 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though separate bodies of research have shown sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth, and youth with disabilities, separately, face distinct social and health disparities, little is known about youth who both identify as SGM and have disabilities. OBJECTIVE The current study examined differences in wellbeing among SGM youth by disability category (i.e., physical, developmental, psychiatric) across victimization, bullying, dating violence, school safety, and experienced stress. METHODS Using self-reported data from 9418 SGM youth aged 13-17 in the United States, multivariate linear regressions were conducted to examine how stress and social safety experiences varied across disability status. RESULTS Compared to SGM youth without a disability, SGM youth across all disability categories (physical, developmental, psychiatric) had greater odds of LGBT- and disability-based victimization, greater average stress, as well as lower levels of school safety. SGM youth with any disability, physical disability, or psychiatric disability also had greater odds of dating violence compared to SGM youth without a disability. CONCLUSION SGM youth with disabilities may be in particular need of targeted programs that address both disability and sexual/gender identities, and may benefit from increased supports across developmental contexts (e.g., against bullying in school). Stakeholders should consider how such support can be improved, tailored, and implemented, for SGM youth and the diversity of disabilities they have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benton M Renley
- University of Connecticut, Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Michael S Argenyi
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ethan H Mereish
- Lavender Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- University of Connecticut, Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
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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. J Res Adolesc 2024; 34:205-221. [PMID: 38282552 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Watson RJ, Caba AE, Lawrence SE, Renley BM, McCauley PS, Wheldon CW, Eaton LA, Russell ST, Eisenberg ME. Examining Mental Health and Bullying Concerns at the Intersection of Sexuality, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity Among a National Sample of Sexual and Gender Diverse Youth. LGBT Health 2024; 11:20-27. [PMID: 37668602 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Most extant scholarship that examines the health experiences of sexual and gender diverse youth (SGDY) is limited in the ability to apply an intersectional framework due to small sample sizes and limitations in analytic methods that only analyze the independent contribution of social identities. To address this gap, this study explored the well-being of youth at the intersection of ethnic, racial, sexual, and gender identities in relation to mental health and bullying. Methods: Data were from a U.S. national survey of SGDY aged 13-18 years, collected in 2022 (N = 12,822). Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection analysis identified intersectional social positions bearing the greatest burden of negative health-related experiences (depression, anxiety, and past 30-day in-person victimization). Results: Transgender boys were among those at the highest prevalence for compromised mental health and peer-based in-person victimization. Although the primary distinguishing factor was transgender identity for depression and anxiety, there were no racial/ethnic distinctions, corroborating some previous scholarship. Asian cisgender and transgender girl SGDY shared the lowest burden of peer-based in-person victimization in school. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a need for scholars, health professionals, and other stakeholders to better understand the mechanisms that drive negative health experiences and in-person victimization experiences at the intersections of sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Watson
- 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
| | - Samantha E Lawrence
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter S McCauley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christopher W Wheldon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Marla E Eisenberg
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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McCurdy AL, Renley BM, Lavner JA, Meslay G, Watson RJ, Russell ST. Sexual minority youth in romantic relationships: Associations with youth well-being. J Res Adolesc 2023; 33:1368-1376. [PMID: 37715595 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated differences in depressive symptoms, loneliness, and self-esteem for monosexual (lesbian, gay) and plurisexual (bisexual, pansexual, queer) sexual minority youth (SMY) by relationship status (single, partnered) and relationship configuration (same-gender partner, different-gender partner). Participants included 338 SMY (Mage = 19.10 years) who reported on their relationship status, partner's gender identity, well-being, and ability to confide in partner about LGBTQ issues. Results indicated that for plurisexual youth, single status was associated with greater loneliness; plurisexual youth with same-gender partners reported fewer depressive symptoms and marginally greater ability to confide in their partner about LGBTQ issues than those with different-gender partners. Findings reveal similarities across SMY while also highlighting some unique challenges among plurisexual youth with different-gender partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L McCurdy
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Justin A Lavner
- Department of Psychology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Gaëlle Meslay
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Institut National d'Études Démographiques, Paris, France
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephen T Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Simon KA, Hawthorne HM, Clark AN, Renley BM, Farr RH, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Contextualizing the Well-being of Asexual Youth: Evidence of Differences in Family, Health, and School Outcomes. J Youth Adolesc 2021; 51:128-140. [PMID: 34550495 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-021-01500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing efforts to better understand sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY), asexual youth remain understudied. This study examines differences in health, family support, and school safety among asexual youth (n = 938) from a national study of SGMY (N = 17,112) ages 13-17. Compared to non-asexual youth, asexual youth were more likely to identify as transgender and report a disability, and less likely to identify as Black or Hispanic/Latino. Transgender (versus cisgender) asexual youth fared worse on most study outcomes. Cisgender asexual (versus cisgender non-asexual) youth fared worse on all study outcomes. Transgender asexual (versus transgender non-asexual) youth reported lower sexuality-related family support. These findings underscore the role of gender identity in understanding the experiences of asexual youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay A Simon
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Heath M Hawthorne
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alyssa N Clark
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Benton M Renley
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Rachel H Farr
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Rd, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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