Minority Stress and Physical Health Among Sexual Minorities

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Lick ◽  
Laura E. Durso ◽  
Kerri L. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities

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.

Integrating Theories of Gender and Sexuality With Deviance: The Case of Prescription Drug Misuse during Sex

2021 ◽  
pp. 089124322110098
Author(s):  
Laura C. Frizzell ◽  
Mike Vuolo ◽  
Brian C. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Deviant Behavior ◽  
Gender And Sexuality ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Identity Conflict ◽  
Prescription Drug Misuse ◽  
Sexual Identities

Social scientists have expended substantial effort to identify group patterns of deviant behavior. Yet beyond the ill-conceived treatment of sexual minorities as inherently deviant, they have rarely considered how gendered sexual identities (GSIs) shape participation in deviance. We argue for the utility of centering theories of gender and sexuality in intersectional deviance research. We demonstrate how this intentional focus on gender and sexuality provides important empirical insights while avoiding past pitfalls of stigmatizing sexual minorities. Drawing on theories of hegemonic masculinity, emphasized femininity, and minority stress together with criminological general strain theory, we demonstrate how societal expectations and constraints generate strains among GSI groups that may lead to distinctly patterned deviance, using the case of prescription drug misuse during sex. We employ thematic analysis of 120 in-depth interviews with people who misuse prescription drugs, stratified by GSI. We identify six themes highlighting distinct pathways from strain to misuse during sex for different GSI groups: intimacy management, achieving sexual freedom, regulating sexual mood, performance confidence, increased sense of control, and managing sexual identity conflict. In this article, we demonstrate the empirical and theoretical importance of centering gender and sexuality in deviance research and provide a roadmap for theoretical integration.

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.

Critical issues in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with gender and sexual minorities (GSMs)

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio A. Carvalho ◽  
Paula Castilho ◽  
Daniel Seabra ◽  
Céu Salvador ◽  
Daniel Rijo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
List Type ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Societal Structure

Abstract In a cisheteronormative culture, gender and sexual minorities (GSMs) may experience additional challenges that get in the way of a meaningful life. It is crucial that clinicians are mindful of these challenges and cognizant about the specificities of clinical work with GSMs. This article points out how societal structure interferes with mental health, and clarifies what clinicians must take into account when using affirmative cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions. Knowledge of up-to-date terminology and use of affirmative language are the first steps that contribute to clients’ experience of respect, which is paramount for the development of a good therapeutic relationship. Considering a conceptual framework of minority stress to understand vulnerability in GSM, specificities in formulation and key psychological processes are discussed. Moreover, guidelines and practical tools for intervention are presented within a CBT approach. Some reflections on therapists’ own personal biases are encouraged, in order to increase the efficacy of interventions. Key learning aims After reading this article you will be able to: (1) Recognize the uniqueness of gender and sexual minorities (GSM) stressors in broad and specific contexts, and their impact on mental health. (2) Identify the underlying key processes and specificities in therapeutic work with GSMs, from a CBT perspective. (3) Recognize the importance of a culturally sensitive approach in affirmative CBT interventions.

Minority Stress and Psychological Outcomes in Sexual Minorities: The Role of Barriers to Accessing Services

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Cronin ◽  
Christopher A. Pepping ◽  
W. Kim Halford ◽  
Anthony Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Psychological Outcomes

Health Disparities in Transgender and Gender Expansive Adolescents: A Topical Review From a Minority Stress Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 842-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria M Delozier ◽  
Rebecca C Kamody ◽  
Scott Rodgers ◽  
Diane Chen
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Gender Minority ◽  
Topical Review ◽  
Resilience Factors ◽  
Path Models ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes

Abstract Objective To present a topical review of minority stressors contributing to psychosocial and physical health disparities in transgender and gender expansive (TGE) adolescents. Methods We conducted a topical review of original research studies focused on distal stressors (e.g., discrimination; victimization; rejection; nonaffirmation), proximal stressors (e.g., expected rejection; identity concealment; internalized transphobia), and resilience factors (e.g., community connectedness; pride; parental support) and mental and physical health outcomes. Results Extant literature suggests that TGE adolescents experience a host of gender minority stressors and are at heightened risk for negative health outcomes; however, limited research has directly applied the gender minority stress framework to the experiences of TGE adolescents. Most research to date has focused on distal minority stressors and single path models to negative health outcomes, which do not account for the complex interplay between chronic minority stress, individual resilience factors, and health outcomes. Research examining proximal stressors and resilience factors is particularly scarce. Conclusions The gender minority stress model is a helpful framework for understanding how minority stressors contribute to health disparities and poor health outcomes among TGE adolescents. Future research should include multiple path models that examine relations between gender minority stressors, resilience factors, and health outcomes in large, nationally representative samples of TGE adolescents. Clinically, adaptations of evidence-based interventions to account for gender minority stressors may increase effectiveness of interventions for TGE adolescents and reduce health disparities in this population of vulnerable youth.

scholarly journals Gay and Lesbian Experiences of Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mason Garrison ◽  
Michael J. Doane ◽  
Marta Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Daily Diary Study ◽  
Minority Stress Model ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Fast Acting ◽  
Health And Well Being

Sexual minorities have poorer mental and physical health than heterosexuals; these health disparities are consistently attributed to discrimination. However, the mechanisms linking discrimination with health outcomes remain unclear. This exploratory study examines whether fast-acting mechanisms, like the minority stress model's “stressful social environment[s],” contribute to these disparities by exploiting the unanticipated election of Donald Trump on November 8, 2016. Gay men and lesbians participated in a 10-day longitudinal daily-diary study, beginning the day before the election (November 7–16, 2016). On the day after the election, participants reported immediate changes in health (e.g., depression, Cohen’s d = 1.33; illness, 0.44), well-being (e.g., happiness, −0.91), and discrimination (0.45). The immediacy and magnitude of participants’ responses are consistent with the minority stress model. This study provides a window into the experiences of gay men and lesbians, and illustrates how minority stresses, such as political uncertainty and discrimination, may impact vulnerable sexual minorities.

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