Problematic Smartphone Use and Its Associations with Sexual Minority Stressors, Gender Nonconformity, and Mental Health Problems among Young Adult Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan

Abstract

Smartphones are a necessity for many people; however, problematic smartphone use (PSU) may negatively influence people’s mental health. Using multivariate linear regression analysis, the study examined the associations of sexual minority stressors [namely perceived sexual stigma from family members, sexual orientation microaggressions (SOMs), and internalized sexual stigma] and gender nonconformity with PSU severity as well as the associations of PSU with depression and anxiety in young adult lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. This cross-sectional survey study recruited 1000 young adult LGB individuals (500 men and 500 women). PSU severity was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Inventory. The experiences of perceived sexual stigma from family members, SOMs, and internalized sexual stigma and the levels of gender nonconformity, depression, and anxiety were assessed. The results indicated that perceived sexual stigma from family members, SOMs, internalized sexual stigma in the dimensions of social discomfort and identity and gender nonconformity were significantly associated with PSU severity in LGB individuals. Moreover, PSU was significantly associated with depression and anxiety in LGB individuals. The findings highlight the significance of developing strategies for the prevention and early detection of PSU and sexual minority stress in LGB individuals.

Nonconforming gender expression and associated problematic smartphone and internet use among Chinese adolescents

“…The observed stronger association with PIU may be attributed to the higher occurrence rate of PIU among the gender-nonconforming participants. These findings highlight that gender-nonconforming students may experience elevated levels of stress related to GNC, leading them to PSU/PIU as a coping strategy, similar to how increased PSU/PIU among sexual minority youths may occur as a coping mechanism in response to social and minority stress ( Huang et al., 2022 ).…”

“…Previous research has suggested that mental health problems, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms ( Arrivillaga, Rey, & Extremera, 2022 ; Kósa et al., 2022 ; Ueno, Ito, Murai, & Fujiwara, 2020 ), as well as adverse social environments (e.g., low social support status and being bullied at school) ( Gong et al., 2022 ; Liu, Liu, & Yuan, 2021 ; Vessey, Difazio, Neil, & Dorste, 2022 ), may contribute to the occurrence of PSU and PIU among adolescents. A recent study conducted among young sexual minorities demonstrated a positive association between GNC and PSU, even after adjusting for internalized sexual stigma and sexual orientation ( Huang et al., 2022 ). Similarly, our study observed that, after accounting for covariates, moderate GNC did not show a significant association with PSU and PIU.…”

“…Despite the growing evidence indicating that adolescents with GNC expressions are more likely to engage in PSU and PIU ( Huang, Chang, Lu, & Yen, 2022 ; Lowry et al., 2018 ), there is limited research exploring the relationship between GNC and PSU/PIU among school-based Chinese adolescents ( Huang et al., 2022 ). Additionally, previous studies examining these associations have not adequately accounted for important covariates, such as adolescents' depressive and anxiety symptoms, social support status, and school bullying experiences ( Long et al., 2016 ).…”

Childhood Adversity and Adolescent Smartphone Use Across Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression

“…However, existing research often focuses on the general population, fails to distinguish between heterosexual and nonheterosexual individuals, and overlooks gender expressions . Recent research has highlighted a higher prevalence of PSU among individuals identifying as nonheterosexual or exhibiting gender nonconformity (GNC, indicating a misalignment between one’s gender expression and societal expectations of femininity or masculinity) compared with heterosexual individuals or those conforming to societal gender norms . Drawing from the minority stress model, nonheterosexual and GNC individuals often encounter various minority stressors (eg, prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and violence) in their daily lives .…”

“… 11 , 12 Recent research has highlighted a higher prevalence of PSU among individuals identifying as nonheterosexual or exhibiting gender nonconformity (GNC, indicating a misalignment between one’s gender expression and societal expectations of femininity or masculinity) compared with heterosexual individuals or those conforming to societal gender norms. 13 , 14 Drawing from the minority stress model, nonheterosexual and GNC individuals often encounter various minority stressors (eg, prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and violence) in their daily lives. 15 , 16 Consequently, PSU among sexual minority and GNC youths may manifest as a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to experiences of social and minority stress.…”