A test of the integrative mediation model of minority stress with sexual minority adults.

Abstract

The present study tested the integrative mediation model of minority stress theory by simultaneously examining both group-specific proximal minority stressors (expectations of rejection, internalized heterosexism, outness) and general psychological processes (rumination, self-esteem, social support) as mediators of the association of heterosexist discrimination with internalizing mental health concerns in a sample of 434 sexual minority adults. Bivariate associations were largely consistent with the expectation that minority stressors and general psychological processes were significantly associated with internalizing symptoms. Results of latent variable structural equation modeling indicated that heterosexist discrimination, internalized heterosexism, rumination, self-esteem, and social support were each uniquely related to internalizing symptoms, although internalized heterosexism’s unique relation with internalizing symptoms was negative rather than positive. Rumination, self-esteem, and social support—but not the proximal minority stressors—mediated the relation of heterosexist discrimination with internalizing symptoms. Implications of these findings for clinical work and research with sexual minority people are discussed.

On the links between parental support and life satisfaction: General and LGBQ+ specific self-concepts as mediators, and parent-oriented interdependent self-construal as a moderator

“…However, regarding the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between stigma-related stress and psychological distress, previous studies have mixed findings. Specifically, some studies found that self-esteem explained the association between sexual minority stress and psychological distress (Velez et al, 2022), whereas others did not find such mediating effect among sexual minority adults (Chen & Tryon, 2012). Thus, the mediating effect of self-esteem requires further investigation (Hatzenbuehler, 2009).…”

Sexual stigma, masculinity, and physical intimate partner violence perpetration among sexual minority men.

“…The original scale was designed to assess lesbians’ experiences of prejudice, so we made modifications to each item so as to apply to the sample of sexual minority men. For example, the item “In the past year, how many times have you been treated unfairly by teachers or professors because you are a LESBIAN?” was changed to “In the past year, how many times have you been treated unfairly by teachers or professors because you are a gay/bisexual/queer (G/B/Q) man?” Recent research with a sample of 434 sexual minority adults shows that the HHRDS is correlated with greater expectations of rejection, internalized heterosexism, and internalizing symptoms (Velez et al, 2022). Szymanski (2006) reported that internal consistency for the scale was .90.…”

“…was changed to "In the past year, how many times have you been treated unfairly by teachers or professors because you are a gay/bisexual/queer (G/B/Q) man?" Recent research with a sample of 434 sexual minority adults shows that the HHRDS is correlated with greater expectations of rejection, internalized heterosexism, and internalizing symptoms (Velez et al, 2022). Szymanski (2006) reported that internal consistency for the scale was .90.…”

“…Due to these experiences, sexual minority individuals may experience internalized stigma, 1 taking the form of shame about one's own identity or negative views of other sexual minority individuals (Herek et al, 2009). Previous research has linked forms of enacted stigma to psychological distress and lower self-esteem (Szymanski, 2009), felt stigma to depression and anxiety (Velez et al, 2022), and internalized stigma with depression and suicidal ideation (see Szymanski et al, 2008b).…”

The minority stress psychological mediation framework and mental health of Latinx sexual minority men: Como se mete debajo de la piel (how it gets under the skin).

“…Their findings showed mixed results for the PMF such that only affective and social support processes emerged as significant mediators in the relation between minority stress and mental health concerns in contrast only cognitive processes emerged as significant mediator in the relation between minority stress and sexual health concerns. Velez et al (2022) also examined the concurrent mechanisms of the PMF in the relation between heterosexist discrimination and internalizing problems with a sample of predominantly White, bisexual cisgender women, and found that internalized heterosexism, rumination, self-esteem, and social support emerged as mediators. These findings further elucidate the complexity of the PMF which warrants further exploration.…”