Testing a mediation framework for the link between perceived discrimination and psychological distress among sexual minority individuals.

Abstract

Perceived discrimination is a risk factor for mental health problems among sexual minority individuals. An increasing number of research studies have investigated the mechanisms through which stigma-related stressors such as perceived discrimination are linked with adverse mental health outcomes for sexual minority populations. The integrative mediation framework proposed by Hatzenbuehler (2009) underscores the importance of identifying mediators in the association between stigma-related stressors and mental health outcomes. This study tested 3 mediators--expectations of rejection, anger rumination, and self-compassion--in the perceived discrimination-distress link. Moreover, it examined associations among these mediators. A nationwide sample of 265 sexual minorities responded to an online survey. Structural equation modeling results supported the mediator roles of expectations of rejection, anger rumination, and self-compassion. More specifically, perceived discrimination was associated with expectations of rejection, which, in turn, was associated with increased anger rumination and less self-compassion, resulting in greater psychological distress. The findings suggest several avenues for prevention and intervention with sexual minority individuals.

The Impact of Victimization and Neuroticism on Mental Health in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: Internalized Homophobia as an Underlying Mechanism

“…As outlined by Hatzenbuehler (2009), these may be group specific process or general processes. One group specific mechanism that has received attention is expectations of rejection (Denton, Rostosky, & Danner, 2014; Liao, Kashubeck-West, Weng, & Deitz, 2015). However, identity concealment has not been established as a mediator of the link between victimization and psychological distress.…”

“…For example, in a national online sample of LGB adults, Liao, Kashubeck-West, Weng, and Deitz (2015) found that experiencing discrimination was related to greater psychological distress through increased expectations of rejection, anger rumination, and less self-compassion. Another significant mediator of the association between experiencing heterosexist events and psychological distress has been coping using detachment (Szymanski, Dunn, & Ikizler, 2014).…”

Psychological reactance and HIV-related stigma among women living with HIV

“…However, these additional findings indicate the potential role of psychological reactance as a mediator between stigma and mental health or of stigma as a mediator between psychological reactance and mental health. Indeed, previous research has shown that irritability or anger mediates the association between perceived discrimination and psychological distress (Liao, Kashubeck-West, Weng, & Deitz, 2015). …”

Non-offending Pedophiles

“…Research on stigma in sexual minorities suggests that experienced and perceived discrimination is linked with psychological distress, particularly if stigmatized individuals expect to be rejected [31,40]. As well, stigma-related stress may be involved in problems with emotion regulation, social and interpersonal issues, and specific cognitive processes (e.g., experience of shame, anxiety) that increase risk for psychopathology.…”