Homonegative Microaggressions and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this study, the connection between sexual orientation microaggressions and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has been evaluated. The researchers measured the perception and impact of homonegative microaggressions, with the Homonegative Microaggression Scale (Wright & Wegner, 2012), as well as the severity of posttraumatic symptoms, with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Civilian Version (Weathers, Litz, Huska, & Keane, 1994). Ninety lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and 80 heterosexual participants were recruited through convenience sampling and online LGB communities. Completion of the measures occurred through an online survey system at the convenience of the participants. The results of the study revealed a positive correlation between reported posttraumatic symptoms and microaggressive experiences, and between posttraumatic symptoms and their perceived impact on participants. A difference between LGB and heterosexual participants' experiences of microaggressions was seen, as well as a difference in reported posttraumatic symptoms related to homonegative experiences. The findings were all statistically significant and suggested that there may be a link between homonegative microaggressions and traumatic stress symptoms, which may demonstrate the potential for insidious trauma to be a factor in LGB minority stress.