Chained Multimediator Model of Sexual Orientation Disclosure, Sexual Minority Stigma, Sexual Minority Identity, Social Support, and Resilience among YMSMs

Author(s):  
Sumin Tan ◽  
Ping Cen ◽  
Ting Fang ◽  
Xing Yang ◽  
Yun Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to investigate sexual orientation disclosure and mental health among young men who have sex with men (YMSMs). To this end, we constructed a chained multimediator model of sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience, with the moderator of sexual orientation disclosure. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 345 YMSMs in Nanning, China. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Sexual minority stigma was used to predict identity, with social support as the step 1 mediator and resilience as the step 2 mediator. Sexual minority identity was analyzed using a chained moderated mediation model; sexual orientation disclosure was included as a moderator in all models to control its confounding effect. Results: The average age of YMSMs was 20.0 ± 1.3 years. Univariate analysis indicated that YMSMs who disclosed sexual orientation may have experienced less stigma (15.49 ± 3.02 vs 16.21 ± 2.74), obtained more social support (65.98 ± 11.18 vs 63.19 ± 11.13), had strong psychological resilience (37.40 ± 8.57 vs 35.39 ± 7.73), and had a more positive self-identity (104.12 ± 21.10 vs 95.35 ± 16.67); differences between subgroups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Sexual minority stigma, perceived stigma, and enacted stigma were significantly associated with social support and resilience. The association between sexual minority stigma and sexual minority identity was significantly mediated by social support (indirect effect [95% CI] = −3.307 [−4.782, −1.907]). Resilience significantly mediated the same association for identity (−2.544 [−4.052, −1.114]). The chained relationship from sexual minority stigma to social support, resilience, and identity was also significant, with an indirect effect of −0.404 [−0.621, −0.249]. Conclusion: Among YMSMs in China, sexual minority stigma affects sexual minority identity through social support and resilience. Given the psychological effects of stigma, social support and resilience must be considered to better promote positive self-identity and mental health among YMSMs.

Author(s):  
Lorin A. Cartwright ◽  
Timothy Neal

An area that has not been closely considered in the sporting world is the mental health effects on the competitive athletes who identify as Lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer/questioning (LBGTQ+) and thus, experience discrimination because of their sexual identity. Considerations include concepts an athletic trainer should keep in mind when caring for patients/athletes who identify as LBGTQ+. This article reviews the mental health impact of sexual minority identity stress on LBGTQ+ individuals, steps to address discrimination for those in athletics who identify as LBGTQ+, legal ramifications in the workplace for the LBGTQ+ individual, and the tragic consequences when LBGTQ+ individuals lack coping skills for stress and pursue suicide as a way to cope. Strategies are provided to improve the outcomes, prevent suicide, and create an environment of inclusivity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S303-S304
Author(s):  
Arne Stinchcombe ◽  
Nicole G Hammond ◽  
Kimberley Wilson

Abstract Sexual minority older adults face minority stressors that are associated with higher rates of mental illness. The stress buffering effects of social support within majority populations are well documented. Using a large population-based sample of aging Canadians, we sought to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and depressive symptoms, and determine whether this relationship is moderated by social support and sex. Baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were used (n = 46147). Participants were between the ages of 45-85 years at time of recruitment (mean age = 62.46, SD = 10.27), and self-reported their sexual orientation as heterosexual or lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) (2.1%). Social support and depressive symptoms were measured using validated instruments. Four functional social support subscales were derived: tangible, positive social interaction, affectionate, and emotional/informational. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for relevant covariates were conducted. LGB identification was associated with greater depressive symptoms when compared to heterosexual participants (p = 0.032). As evidenced by a significant 3-way interaction (p = 0.030), increasing tangible social support was associated with a corresponding decrease in the risk of depressive symptoms; this relationship was most pronounced for lesbian and bisexual women. A significant 2-way interaction (p = 0.040) revealed that as emotional/informational social support increased, depressive symptoms decreased, with greater disparity between LGB and heterosexual participants at lower levels of social support. The results highlight the importance of social support in promoting mental health, especially among sexual minority older adults.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bränström ◽  
J E Pachankis

Abstract Background The national climate surrounding sexual minorities (i.e., those self-identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual [LGB]) varies greatly worldwide. Recent Cross-European studies have shown that country-level structural stigma is a strong determinant of sexual minority individuals health risk behaviors and mental health. The consequences of the significant country-level variation in structural stigma on sexual minorities’ experiences of health care discrimination and disclosure of sexual orientation to health care providers have not been previously investigated. Methods In 2012, 86 000 sexual minority individuals (aged 18 years and older) from all 28 European Union countries responded to questions concerning discrimination in health care settings and sexual orientation disclosure to health care providers (EU LGBT survey). Structural stigma was assessed using a combination of national laws and policies affecting sexual minorities and a measure of sexual minority acceptance among citizens of each country. Results Disclosure of sexual orientation to health care providers were much more common in low stigma coutries (e.g., the Netherlands, Sweden, UK) compared to high stigma coutries (e.g., Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia). Experiences of discrimination in health care settings were more common among LGB indiviudals who were open about their sexual orientaiton and increased by degree of country-level structural stigma. Conclusions Disclosure of sexual orientation and experiences of discrimination in health care settings varies greatly among LGB individuals in Europe largely due to structural stigma surrounding sexual minorities. Main messages These findings highlight the importance of eliminating legislation, policies, and national attitudes that promote the unequal treatment of sexual minorities in currently unsupportive European countries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 155798831880643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Mathias Lassiter ◽  
Russell Brewer ◽  
Leo Wilton

Previous research has highlighted the homonegative atmospheres of many religious communities in Western society and their harmful impact on Black sexual minority (SM) people’s mental and physical health. However, few studies have examined the relationship between sexual orientation disclosure to church members and exposure to homonegative religious messages in religious settings. This online quantitative study investigated this relationship among a sample of 320 Black SM men. The participants for this study were recruited nationally from across the United States and had a mean age of 34 years. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that sexual orientation disclosure to church members was significantly associated with exposure to homonegative religious messages, even when controlling for geographic region of residence and denominational affiliation. Black SM men who had higher levels of disclosure were exposed to fewer homonegative religious messages. The implications of these findings for health research and clinical work with Black SM men are discussed in detail.


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