Working with Sexual-Minority Individuals

2010 ◽  
pp. 837-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Diamond ◽  
Molly R. Butterworth ◽  
Ritch C. Savin-Williams
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
The Family ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Oriented Research

The present chapter provides a review of some of the primary psychological issues confronting sexual minorities (i.e., individuals with same-sex attractions and relationships). Our goal is to provide a flexible set of preliminary questions that can be used to help sexual-minority clients to articulate their own idiosyncratic experiences and give voice to their own unique needs. We begin by addressing two of the most common and important clinical issues faced by sexual minorities: generalized “minority stress” and acceptance and validation from the family of origin. We then turn attention to the vast—and vastly underinvestigated—population of individuals with bisexual attractions and behavior, who actually constitute the majority of the sexual-minority population, despite having been systematically excluded from most prior research. We review the increasing body of research suggesting that individuals with bisexual patterns of attraction and behavior actually face greater mental health risks than those with exclusive same-sex attractions and behavior, and we explore potential processes and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, focusing particular attention on issues of identity development and transition over the life span. We conclude by outlining a number of areas for future clinically oriented research.

Working with Sexual-Minority Individuals

2014 ◽  
pp. 845-876
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Diamond ◽  
Molly R. Butterworth ◽  
Ritch C. Savin-Williams
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
The Family ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Oriented Research

The present chapter provides a review of some of the primary psychological issues confronting sexual minorities (i.e., individuals with same-sex attractions and relationships). Our goal is to provide a flexible set of preliminary questions that can be used to help sexual-minority clients to articulate their own idiosyncratic experiences and give voice to their own unique needs. We begin by addressing two of the most common and important clinical issues faced by sexual minorities: generalized “minority stress” and acceptance and validation from the family of origin. We then turn attention to the vast—and vastly underinvestigated—population of individuals with bisexual attractions and behavior, who actually constitute the majority of the sexual-minority population, despite having been systematically excluded from most prior research. We review the increasing body of research suggesting that individuals with bisexual patterns of attraction and behavior actually face greater mental health risks than those with exclusive same-sex attractions and behavior, and we explore potential processes and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, focusing particular attention on issues of identity development and transition over the life span. We conclude by outlining a number of areas for future clinically oriented research.

Hookup initiation and emotional outcomes differ across LGB young men and women

Sexualities ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 932-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J Watson ◽  
Yousef M Shahin ◽  
Miriam R Arbeit
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Hooking Up ◽  
Gay Males ◽  
Emotional Outcomes ◽  
Media Applications

Research on hookups has grown to keep pace with new opportunities for initiations to engage in casual sex. However, most of the scholarship has been heteronormative, which is problematic because sexual minority (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer) individuals report unique experiences in relation to their sexual experiences and health. Through minority stress, positive youth development, and grounded theory of resiliency frameworks, we studied the initiation patterns and outcomes related to hooking up among sexual minorities. Interviews were conducted with 17 participants aged 18 to 25 ( Mage = 22) in British Columbia, Canada. We found that gay males most often used social media applications to initiate hookups; bisexual young women and lesbians were most likely to use social gatherings. Despite most scholarship focusing on risks associated with hooking up, we found that outcomes of LGB young adults were more positive than negative. By way of the minority stress and resiliency frameworks, we position hookups as potential coping mechanisms in response to sexual minority stress experiences. Stakeholders should be aware of the challenges associated with hooking up for sexual minorities.

scholarly journals The Health Disparities of Same-sex Cohabitors at the Intersection of Race-ethnicity and Gender

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 620-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Liu ◽  
Corinne Reczek ◽  
Samuel C. H. Mindes ◽  
Shannon Shen
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Health ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Ethnicity And Gender ◽  
Sexual Minority Health

We work from a minority stress perspective to theorize health disparities across union status at the intersection of sexual minority status, race-ethnicity, and gender. We use pooled data from the Integrated National Health Interview Surveys (1997–2014) to assess a wide range of health outcomes, including self-rated physical health, psychological distress, and health behaviors. Results suggest that same-sex cohabitors face substantial health disadvantages relative to different-sex married individuals, with little variation by race-ethnicity and gender. Fewer health differences are found for same-sex cohabitors in comparison with both different-sex cohabitors and unpartnered singles, although greater variation by gender and race-ethnicity is found across these comparisons. This study highlights the importance of integrating intersectionality and minority stress theories to guide future research examining sexual minority health disparities. Results suggest that the sexual minority health disadvantage, as well as the potential health boost of same-sex marriage, may depend on the intersection of race-ethnicity and gender.

scholarly journals Are “Gay” and “Queer-Friendly” Neighborhoods Healthy? Assessing How Areas with High Densities of Same-Sex Couples Impact the Mental Health of Sexual Minority and Majority Young Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 181-200
Author(s):  
Chris Wienke ◽  
Rachel B. Whaley ◽  
Rick Braatz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Same Sex Couples ◽  
Neighborhood Contexts ◽  
Using Data

AbstractNeighborhoods with large concentrations of gay men, lesbians, and other sexual minorities have long served as places where sexual minority young adults find self-enhancing resources. Yet, it is unclear whether such neighborhood environments also confer health benefits. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we explored the relationship between the proportion of same-sex couples in neighborhoods and the mental health of sexual minority and majority young adults, controlling for other neighborhood- and individual-level factors. Results indicate that for sexual minorities, neighborhoods with higher percentages of same-sex couples are associated with lower levels of depression symptoms and higher levels of self-esteem. Conversely, for heterosexuals, there are no differences in health outcomes across neighborhood contexts. Taken together, the findings highlight the importance of striving for neighborhood-level understandings of sexual minority young adults and their mental health problems.

Cohabitation and Self-rated Health: The Role of Socioeconomic Status and Sexual Minority Status among U.S. Cohabitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 543-562
Author(s):  
Russell L. Spiker
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Average Adjusted Predictions

This study examines whether health disparities between same-sex and different-sex cohabitors differ depending on socioeconomic status (SES). Previous research showed that SES mediates health disparities between different-sex and same-sex cohabitors, but less is known about its role as a potential moderator. Using data on cohabitors from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) National Health Interview Surveys (2007–2018), this study examines how the SES-health gradient shapes health disparities for same-sex and different-sex cohabitors. Average adjusted predictions from multinomial logistic regression models show that higher income-to-needs ratio is associated with improvements in self-rated health for same-sex cohabiting women relative to different-sex cohabiting women. However, results are mixed for men. As income-to-needs ratio increases, same-sex cohabiting men have higher probabilities of “excellent” or “very good” health than different-sex cohabitors; however, their risk of “poor” health increases significantly with higher income-to-needs ratios. Potential explanations related to minority stress, stress proliferation, gendered meanings of self-rated health, and selection are explored. Overall, disparities between same-sex and different-sex cohabitors differ by gender and SES, suggesting socioeconomic diversity should be considered in the study of sexual minority health.

Minority Stress and HERoic Coping Among Ethnoracial Sexual Minority Girls: Intersections of Resilience

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 614-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley L. Craig ◽  
Ashley Austin ◽  
Edward J. Alessi ◽  
Lauren McInroy ◽  
Gina Keane
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Gender Expectations ◽  
Hispanic Caribbean ◽  
Religious Doctrine ◽  
The Family ◽  
Community Environments ◽  
Minority Girls ◽  
And Coping

This study used a focus group methodology to explore the experiences of stress and coping among 40 Hispanic, Caribbean Black, Haitian, and African American cisgender sexual minority girls living in the southeastern United States. An analysis of the data using grounded theory strategies revealed that participants were part of a cultural context in which few boundaries existed between family, religion, and culture, and that they tended to believe that they were betraying family and culture because of their sexual minority identities. Participants described (a) real or perceived transgressions of gender expectations and roles, (b) violating religious doctrine, and (c) emotional exclusion and taunting by family members. In the same context, the theme of HERoic Coping described participants’ resilience that manifested as (a) serving as the family educator, (b) being “out” in the open with family, and (c) creating safety. This study found that the negotiation of complex family, religious, and community environments is critical to understanding resilience in ethnoracial sexual minority girls.

scholarly journals Minority stress, distress, and suicide attempts in three cohorts of sexual minority adults: A U.S. probability sample

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0246827
Author(s):  
Ilan H. Meyer ◽  
Stephen T. Russell ◽  
Phillip L. Hammack ◽  
David M. Frost ◽  
Bianca D. M. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Suicide Behavior ◽  
The Social ◽  
Minority People

During the past 50 years, there have been marked improvement in the social and legal environment of sexual minorities in the United States. Minority stress theory predicts that health of sexual minorities is predicated on the social environment. As the social environment improves, exposure to stress would decline and health outcomes would improve. We assessed how stress, identity, connectedness with the LGBT community, and psychological distress and suicide behavior varied across three distinct cohorts of sexual minority people in the United States. Using a national probability sample recruited in 2016 and 2017, we assessed three a priori defined cohorts of sexual minorities we labeled the pride (born 1956–1963), visibility (born 1974–1981), and equality (born 1990–1997) cohorts. We found significant and impressive cohort differences in coming out milestones, with members of the younger cohort coming out much earlier than members of the two older cohorts. But we found no signs that the improved social environment attenuated their exposure to minority stressors—both distal stressors, such as violence and discrimination, and proximal stressors, such as internalized homophobia and expectations of rejection. Psychological distress and suicide behavior also were not improved, and indeed were worse for the younger than the older cohorts. These findings suggest that changes in the social environment had limited impact on stress processes and mental health for sexual minority people. They speak to the endurance of cultural ideologies such as homophobia and heterosexism and accompanying rejection of and violence toward sexual minorities.

Substance use, mental health, and life satisfaction in Czech straight and sexual-minority population

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Pitonak ◽  
P Chomynová ◽  
V Mravčík
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Illicit Substance ◽  
Illicit Substance Use ◽  
Minority People

Abstract Background Evidence shows that sexual minorities are more vulnerable to substance use and psychological distress as a result of minority stress compared with heterosexuals. So far, research conducted outside North America or Western Europe has been underrepresented. This research compares for the first time the substance use, quality of mental health and life satisfaction between the sexual minority people and heterosexuals using a nationally representative probability sample in the Czech population. Methods Sample of the general population aged 15+ years surveyed within the National Survey on Substance Use in 2016 in randomly selected households (N = 3,601, F2F interviews). Prevalence of licit and illicit substance use, psychological distress (MHI-5 scale) and life satisfaction (SWLS scale) were analyzed by respondents' self-reported sexual identity and behaviors. Logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the differences between groups. Adjustment for basic sociodemographic characteristics was performed. Results 2.8% of adults identified as sexual minorities, including 0.5% lesbians or gays and 2.3% bisexuals. Sexual minorities were more likely to experiment with (illicit) substance use in the last 12 months (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03-2.94), more often experience psychological distress (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50-4.38), and were slightly less often satisfied with their lives (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.46-1.37) compared to heterosexuals. Sexual minority status was not found as a significant predictor for daily tobacco smoking nor for frequent excessive/binge alcohol consumption. Conclusions In accordance with international evidence, sexual minorities represent a vulnerable group from the perspective of substance use and psychological distress. Factors influencing life satisfaction of sexual minority people living in geographically underrepresented regions need to be further investigated using measures more sensitive to local cultural circumstances.

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