Network Analysis of Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Sexual Minority Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intra-Group Perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT The prevalence of depression among sexual minority women is a significant concern, yet no prior research has conducted a network analysis of depressive symptoms in this population. This is the first study to address this gap by examining the network structure of depressive symptoms in Chinese sexual minority women during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering both sexual orientation and gender expression as part of an intra-group perspective. 1420 Chinese sexual minority women completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Symptoms (CES-D). Network analysis was employed to calculate edge and centrality measures, and the network structures of lesbians and bisexual women were compared based on sexual orientation and of femme, androgyny, and butch based on gender expression. Network analysis revealed that the core depressive symptoms of Chinese sexual minority women are “Felt depressed,” “Fatigue,” “Sad,” and “Failure.” Although no significant differences were found in the network structure and global strength of depressive symptoms between different sexual orientations and gender expressions, there were significant differences in the core symptoms. This study suggests the unique associations between depressive symptoms and social and historical contexts among sexual minority women and emphasizes the importance of considering these differences when providing targeted mental health interventions.