Multiple forms of discrimination, mental distress, and well-being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals: The role of brooding

Abstract

Using cross-sectional data collected online from 495 racially and ethnically diverse LGBQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning) participants, the associations between nine forms of discrimination and mental distress and well-being were examined, along with the mediating role of brooding (a severe form of rumination) in these associations and demographic differences in the variables Results indicated that queer and multiracial/other identity individuals who reported lower incomes faced more forms of discrimination compared to their male, gay/bisexual, White, and of higher income counterparts. Moreover, mental/physical ability status-based discrimination was significantly associated with the highest levels of mental distress and the lowest well-being score. The association between LGBQ-based discrimination and mental distress was marginally significant. Furthermore, a greater number of forms of discrimination was associated with mental distress and less well-being. Brooding partially mediated the relationship between multiple forms of discrimination and mental distress, and fully mediated the association between multiple forms of discrimination and well-being. These findings suggest that assessing LGBQ+ individuals’ multiple forms of discrimination and their effect on mental health is critical. Similarly, interventions designed to alleviate brooding and facilitate the development of other emotion regulation strategies that would further promote LGBQ+ people’s mental health and well-being are warranted.