Relationships of Sexual Orientation Microaggression with Anxiety and Depression among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Taiwanese Youth: Self-Identity Disturbance Mediates but Gender Does Not Moderate the Relationships

Abstract

The aims of this cross-sectional survey study were to examine the association between sexual orientation microaggression and anxiety and depression among young adult lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Taiwan, as well as to examine the mediating effect of self-identity disturbance and the moderating effect of gender. In total, 1000 self-identified LGB individuals participated in the study. The experience of sexual orientation microaggression was assessed using the Sexual Orientation Microaggression Inventory, self-identity disturbance was assessed using the Self-Concept and Identity Measure, anxiety was assessed using the State subscale on the Chinese version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine relationships between the variables. The SEM results demonstrated that sexual orientation microaggression was directly associated with increased anxiety and depression, as well as being indirectly associated with increased anxiety and depression via the mediation of self-identity disturbance among young adult LGB individuals. Gender did not moderate the relationships between any of the variables. Both sexual orientation microaggression and self-identity disturbance warrant program interventions for enhancing mental health among LGB individuals.

Sexual stigmas among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with problematic internet use and depression

“…LGB individuals who experience these distal and proximal stressors can become hypervigilant because of the expectation of prejudicial events related to sexual orientation and can progressively develop rumination and psychopathology, such as depression ( 52 ). Consistently with the results of previous studies ( 22 – 24 ), the present study revealed significant associations of FSS and SOMs with depression in LGB individuals. These results support that intervention programs should be developed to reduce sexual stigma in the public, families, and LGB individuals and to prevent the development of depression among LGB individuals.…”

“…Sexual orientation microaggressions (SOMs) are a more subtle and covert daily demonstration of sexual stigma toward LGB individuals and their sexual orientation than public sexual stigma ( 21 ). FSS, ISS, and SOMs are all psychological stressors for LGB individuals ( 4 ) and can compromise their mental health ( 22 – 24 ). A study discovered that being victimized by enacted sexual stigma significantly increased the risk of developing PIU ( 25 ).…”

Relationships of familial sexual stigma and family support with internalized homonegativity among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals: The mediating effect of self-identity disturbance and moderating effect of gender

“…Research has also reported that gay and bisexual men who experienced victimization of homophobic bullying during childhood have self-identity disturbances in emerging adulthood [ 46 ]. Moreover, self-identity disturbance mediates the association between microaggression due to sexual orientation and mental health problems among young adult LGB individuals [ 47 ].…”

Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms and Moderating Effect of Family Support

“…Gay and bisexual men are still seen as the symbol of disseminating human immunodeficiency virus infection and deteriorating traditional family values [46]. Victimization of homophobic bullying [47,48], public stigma [49], microaggression [50,51], and internalized stigma [52] are prevalent among LGB individuals. Especially, the groups opposing same-sex marriage in Taiwan spread a considerable amount of incorrect information and rumors to malign LGB individuals through social media and public media; these misleading portrayals and negative stereotypes spread in the media demoralized LGB individuals and directly disturbed their emotional regulation [53][54][55][56][57][58].…”