Anticipated Sexual Minority Stress and Mental Health after the 2016 Presidential Election: Examining a Psychological Mediation Framework

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sexual minorities are at an increased risk for psychopathology, compared to heterosexual counterparts, in part due to stressors unique to their sexual minority identity. The greater socio-political climate may exacerbate sexual minority stress, and the context of the 2016 United States presidential election infringed upon the rights and well-being of LGBQ individuals. In our sample of sexual minorities (n = 253), we examined the association between anticipated stigma in response to the 2016 presidential election and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the potential mediating role of self-compassion, hopelessness and social support. Greater anticipated stigma was associated with less self-compassion, less perceived social support, and greater hopelessness, and, in turn, greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anticipated stigma may erode feelings of environmental support and may be internalized as negative views of the self and future. From a public health perspective, policy-makers should be aware that the discussion and/or enactment of policies which discriminate against LGBQ persons may negatively impact mental health. Clinically, bolstering self-compassion and interpersonal functioning, and targeting hopelessness, through strategies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy, may buffer the impact of minority stress among sexual minorities.