Attitudes Toward Medical Care and Sexual Orientation Identity in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

Abstract

This study examined factors of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identity in relation to general attitudes toward medical care and specific attitudes of medical care avoidance. Through an online questionnaire, 114 participants who self-identified as LGB completed measures of LGB identity and attitudes toward medical care. Out of eight domains of LGB identity, identity affirmation, acceptance concerns, and identity superiority significantly related to overall attitudes toward medical care. In other words, an affirming experience with one's LGB identity significantly related to positive attitudes. Conversely, concerns about judgement for being LGB and beliefs that LGB identity is superior to heterosexual identity related to negative attitudes. Furthermore, stronger overall negative LGB identity significantly related to stronger attitudes of medical care avoidance. These findings suggest that both positive and negative aspects of LGB identity relate to attitudes toward seeking medical care. We discuss the implications of our findings for clinical work with LGB individuals and their loved ones.