Integrative Review on Contact-Based Interventions to Address LGBTQ+ Related Stigma

Abstract

LGBTQ+ individuals experience stigma due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity which has clear, profound, far-ranging effects on LGBTQ+ health including greater risk of suicidality, depression, anxiety, substance use, and poor physical health. Several stigma change strategies have been used to attempt to mitigate the profound impact of LGBTQ+ related stigma in marginalized sexual and gender minority communities. Contact-based interventions to address LGBTQ+ related stigma rest on contact theory, which posits that intergroup contact between individuals of an in-group (majority group) and individuals of an out-group (minority or marginalized group) aids in the reduction of negative stereotypes, prejudice, and resulting discrimination. The definition of “contact” has progressed to encompass various forms of exposure including in-vivo interpersonal contact, vicarious contact, electronic or e-contact and imagined contact. Guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, we summarize the literature between 2001 and 2020, examining and synthesizing 20 studies that explore contact-based interventions to reduce LGBTQ+ related stigma, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Overall, several forms of contact-based interventions have demonstrated positive effects on reducing LGBTQ+ related stigma. Future research should include examining the use of contact-based interventions in reducing the stigma faced by individuals within LGBTQ+ communities with intersecting marginalized identities.