This study tested two theoretically and empirically derived structural equation models based on Hatzenbuehler's integrative mediational model of minority stress to examine the potential pathways between heterosexist discrimination, internalized heterosexism, meaning in life, stress-related growth, and life satisfaction among a sample of 287 sexual minority individuals. The models represented competing hypotheses for this sample, regarding the manners by which these variables were related, directly and indirectly versus indirectly only. The hypothesized indirect and direct effects model fit significantly better than the alternative indirect effects model. The results provided support for Hatzenbuehler's Integrative Mediational Model. Findings showed all but one structural coefficient was statistically significant (heterosexist discrimination was not predictive of life satisfaction as a direct effect). All four indirect effects were significant. The results provided support for Hatzenbuehler's model, suggesting that sexual minority individuals' experience of minority stress in the form of heterosexist discrimination may be linked directly with greater stress-related growth and indirectly to life satisfaction through the general psychological process of finding meaning in life. This study also provided additional evidence indicating the potential importance of reducing the internalized heterosexism for sexual minority individuals, with higher levels of internalized heterosexism being directly related to lower levels of both stress-related growth and life satisfaction, as well as indirectly affecting the positive relationship between minority stress and stress-related growth. Study limitations and implications for research and practice are also provided. Public Significance StatementThis study provides evidence for the importance of the presence of meaning in life for sexual minority individuals, with higher levels of meaning relating to higher levels of both stress-related growth and life satisfaction. Helping sexual minority individuals find meaning in the face of heterosexist discrimination may help mitigate the negative impact of this form of minority stress on their psychological well-being.

This study examined familism, ethnic identity (search and commitment), and gender as moderators in the associations between two minority stressors (perceived discrimination and acculturative stress) and depressive symptoms in college students of Mexican ancestry ( N = 207) at a Hispanic-serving institution. Using hierarchical multiple regression, we examined main effects and interactions of minority stress variables with hypothesized moderators. Results indicated that familism buffered the positive association between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms. Ethnic identity search and commitment showed gender-specific moderation effects in that a strong ethnic identity search or commitment was protective for women but not for men, when considerable amounts of acculturative stress were experienced. Ethnic identity search also showed gender-specific moderation effects on the association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of examining cultural variables and gender to understand what may be helpful to students of Mexican ancestry as they manage minority stressors.

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The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of eight women survivors of childhood sexual abuse who view themselves as having a positive sexual self-schema, including their experiences of sexual satisfaction. Through thematic analysis, we developed the following themes: The Context for Sexual Development, Sexual Exploration, Coping Strategies, and Embracing the Sexual Self as Whole. The findings highlight the importance of relational, interpersonal, and community healing. Integral to women's healing were experiences of sexual risk that allowed them to gain a sense of agency and empowerment. The themes that emerged provide additional support for Relational Cultural Theory as well as post-traumatic growth. We discuss the implications of these results in relation to counseling practice, training, and research.

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