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The current study was conducted in order to compare the Early Maladaptive Schemata (EMS) in homosexual and bisexual people and compare them with the heterosexual group. The 150 study participants consisting of 62 homosexual and 13 bisexual people (mean age = 25.50, SD = 5.09), were selected from several cities in Iran. The 75 heterosexuals were selected from the general population and matched with the study group based on age, sex, and educational level. Each person completed a Young Schema Questionnaire (short form) and a demographic data sheet. In addition, the groups of sexual minorities also completed the researcher constructed Questionnaire. The results show that homosexual group scores in some schemata such as mistrust/abuse, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, emotional inhibition and sacrifice, were significantly higher than the heterosexual group. The results also show that the entitlement schema score was significantly higher in both the homosexuals and bisexuals. Different developmental procedures and negative social attitudes toward sexual minorities could explain the higher scores of some schemata in this group. This study may have also useful clinical implications for mental health professionals working with sexual minorities.

Quantitative studies have found that although most of the general public holds negative attitudes towards people with paedophilia (PWP), a range of views exist. Nevertheless, these studies provide limited insight into the specific details or variety of attitudes or emotions. This qualitative study aimed to better understand public attitudes towards PWP by exploring how the public reacts to talks about paedophilia given by credentialled experts on social media. Seven such talks, which met our specific inclusion criteria, were selected from YouTube, and public comments on these talks were analysed. The top 100 comments of each video were selected, followed by a saturation strategy. This led to 1234 comments being coded and thematically analysed. Six key themes and eight subthemes were generated, thematically grouped into Haters (sub-themes: ‘violent’ and ‘sophisticated’), Critics (sub-themes: ‘victim erasure’ and ‘not a sexual orientation’), Fence-sitters (sub-themes: ‘ambivalent’ and ‘dispassionate arguers’) and Supporters’ (sub-themes: ‘implicit confirmers’ and ‘compassionate supporters’). These themes reflected a spectrum of views. At one pole, Haters exhibited absolute abhorrence and a desire to dismiss the speaker, whilst, at the other pole, Supporters showed empathy towards non-offending PWP and endorsed the speaker’s perspective. Extremely polarised conversations, commonly evidencing anger and sarcasm and emphasis on the concept of help, were found across dissenting voices. These findings help us better understand the variety of public attitudes and responses to expert-delivered information on paedophilia. The effects of perceived social attitudes on PWP well-being and help-seeking behaviours, which can help prevent offending, require further exploration.

Introduction LGBTQI + refugees and asylum seekers experience enormous distress during their lifespan. Ill-effects of socio-cultural stigma, systemic violence, and forced migration due to sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) are not their only challenge. The cumbersome asylum process in host countries negatively affects their mental health and well-being. The objective of this systematic review was to retrieve, critically evaluate and synthesize the evidence from qualitative data relating to mental health conditions of LGBTQI + forced migrants before, during, and after resettlement. Methods Seven Databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Taylor, and Francis online as well as MEDLINE, PSYNDEX, PsycINFO, and PsycArticles via EBSCO) were queried with relevant search terms between January and April 2020. To be included in the analysis, studies had to be qualitative and published in peer-reviewed journals between 2002 and 2020. Of 410 records, 23 of them met the inclusion criteria. Two low-score records were removed after critical evaluation with the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program). Data from 21 studies were extracted. Qualitative meta-aggregation was implemented as the data synthesis strategy. Results Four emerged themes were linked to distress: Violence/discrimination, mental healthcare access barriers, asylum system challenges, and unaddressed mental health difficulties. Coping strategies and support resources were two other relevant themes across and within the data. Conclusions Experiencing violence and deprivation of equitable mental health services in countries of origin due to SOGIESC status, difficulties in the asylum process, limited care in detention centers, cultural and financial barriers in host countries, and finally, discrimination based on multiple marginalized identities explain how the mental health condition of LGBTQI + forced migrants is inextricably intertwined with structural discrimination. Policy Implications Host countries need to ensure migrant and local communities are aware of state equality and LGBTQI + anti-discrimination policies. Service providers in both asylum and health systems need to be trained for affirmative, culturally sensitive, and intersectional approaches in their practice and avoid treating queer clients against their expectations and stereotypes. Also, they should address the authentic accounts of resilience and resistance of LGBTQI + forced migrants.