Cultural context matters: Testing the minority stress model among Chinese sexual minority men.

Abstract

Minority stress theory (e.g., Meyer, 2003b), a model for understanding mental health disparities affecting sexual minorities, has primarily been tested in Western samples yet has not been carefully applied to the experiences of sexual minorities in a global context, including in East Asian countries. Combining minority stress theory with considerations of Chinese culture, the current study tested the associations among norm conformity, distal minority stressor (enacted stigma), proximal minority stressors (sexual identity concerns and concealment), lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) family support, and psychological distress among Chinese sexual minority men (n = 748). Structural equation modeling showed that sexual identity concerns mediated the associations of norm conformity, enacted stigma, and lower family support with concealment. Psychological distress was associated with enacted stigma and lower family support, but not with proximal stressors (sexual identity concerns and concealment). Alternative model testing found sexual identity acceptance concerns predicted psychological distress and mediated the associations of norm conformity and LGB family support with distress. Findings provide partial support for the minority stress model in a Chinese context and suggest the importance of incorporating cultural considerations into minority stress conceptualizations.

Sexual Minority Stigma and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Sexual Minorities: the Mediating Roles of Sexual Orientation Concealment, Self-Criticism, and Depression

“…Given that the participants of this study would include bisexual populations, the subjects of the items were changed to “homosexuals or bisexuals.” Higher sum scores indicated higher levels of SMS. The original scale has shown good reliability and validity among sexual minority men and women in previous studies (Chakrapani et al, 2017 ; Ding et al, 2020 ; Sun et al, 2021 ), and the Cronbach’s alpha of the revised scale was 0.72 in this study.…”

“…Numerous studies have revealed that the higher degree of SMS, the higher motivation for SOC (Goffman, 1963 ; Goh et al, 2019 ). The relation from SMS to SOC may be even stronger in China, because the collectivistic culture emphasizes interpersonal relationships, and Chinese sexual minorities may be more likely to conceal their sexual orientation for maintaining relationships and avoiding discrimination (Sun et al, 2021 ).…”

Does coming out matter? A serial mediation model from outness to reduced psychological distress among Chinese gay men

“…In addition, a large number of studies have shown that a higher degree of outness is associated with lower psychological distress among gay men (details are presented in a later section). Despite the great importance of coming out, many Chinese gay men choose to conceal their sexual orientation (Sun et al., 2021).…”

The process of contemporary gay identity development in China: The influence of internet use

“…internalized homophobia, expectations of rejection, and concealment of sexual orientation) ( 12 ). These stressors contribute to lower wellbeing, psychological distress, the risk for depression and suicidal ideation, avoidance of health-seeking behavior, and greater sexual risk behavior related to HIV infection ( 13 – 15 ). The prevalence of young sexual minority depression and suicide is 2.4 to 5 times higher than heterosexual peers and 1.5 to 5 times higher for the prevalence of substance and alcohol use ( 16 , 17 ).…”