Minority Stress Theory Research Articles

Enhancing Student Understanding of Cardiovascular Disease Burden in Marginalized Communities in the Physiology Classroom.

Physiology education is at the core of biomedical science and medicine. Physiology unites multiple disciplines to explain the mechanisms whereby a risk factor is associated with disease. Race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Minority Stress Theory attempts to explain the association of identity variables in sex and gender minority (SGM) and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) populations with CVD. However, instruction on how to effectively incorporate the ways that social determinants of health are linked to disease outcomes in marginalized populations, such as the SGM and BIPOC communities, is needed. We investigated the efficacy of teaching Minority Stress Theory concepts in a single lecture in an upper-level cardiovascular pathophysiology course (N=44 students). To test students' understanding of minority-related disease, we used both subjective and objective measures to evaluate student understanding before and after the lecture. Student self-assessment of understanding of health disparity physiological mechanisms and lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions to reduce health disparities in SGM communities increased post-intervention. We observed similar results of self-assessment of understanding of health disparity physiological mechanisms and appropriate lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions to reduce health disparities regarding the BIPOC community. Our findings suggest that integrating social determinants of health into pathophysiology courses may result in a more inclusive-minded scientific and medical workforce.

From Stigma to Strength? The Interrelations Between Sexual Identity Stigma, Well-Being, and Accepting Communities on Instagram Amongst Sexual Minority Youth.

Initial evidence suggests that engaging with accepting communities on social media such as Instagram may inform sexual minority youths' sense of stigma and well-being. However, as existing research has predominately drawn upon cross-sectional or qualitative designs, it is currently unclear whether the positive experiences identified in previous research accumulate, endure, or evolve over time. We also know relatively little about whether engagement with accepting online communities is primarily a compensatory or enhancing behavior. Thus, drawing upon minority stress theory and broaden-and-build theory, this study explores the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between perceived stigma, well-being, and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. Three-wave panel data were collected from 460 sexual minority youth in the United States and Poland (M age = 18.58, SD = 1.64), and data were analyzed using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. At the between-person level, engagement with accepting Instagram communities was positively associated with perceived stigma and negatively associated with well-being. No significant within-person associations emerged between perceived stigma and engagement with accepting Instagram networks. However, a positive reciprocal relationship was found between well-being and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model. Results suggest that whilst the interrelations between perceived stigma and engaging with accepting online networks may be short-lived, engaging with supportive Instagram communities may contribute to an upward spiral of positive emotions. Findings therefore extend the existing literature regarding the potential benefits of social media use amongst sexual minority youth.

Examining Differences in Sexual Violence Perpetration Likelihood by Perceived Intoxication Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

ABSTRACT Experiences of sexual violence (SV) victimization are pervasive among sexual and gender minority college students, yet few studies have documented rates of SV perpetration within this community. While numerous risk factors, including acute alcohol intoxication, have been posited to increase risk for SV perpetration among cisgender heterosexual men, their relevancy to SGM SV perpetration remains unexamined. Therefore, using Minority Stress Theory as a guiding theoretical framework, the current study examined differences in heterosexist discrimination and impelling risk factors for sexual violence (SV) perpetration likelihood intentions based on perceived intoxication among sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students. SGM college students (N = 234) completed measures assessing their experiences of heterosexist discrimination, attitudes and beliefs supportive of sexism and SV, and perceived likelihood to perpetrate SV. When intoxicated and sober, main effects for impelling risk factors on sexual violence perpetration likelihood intentions were detected, and effect of heterosexist discrimination on SV perpetration likelihood was only observed at high levels of impellance. Results underscore the importance of alcohol use, experiences of heterosexist discrimination, and impelling risk factors as salient markers of risk for SV perpetration among SGM college students.

Examining Discrimination as a Distal Moderator of the Proximal Association Between LGBQ+ College Students’ Alcohol Use and Cyber Dating Abuse

Comprehensive and inclusive dating abuse prevention is hindered by a lack of research on proximal antecedents of cyber dating abuse (CDA) among lesbian, gay, bi-/pansexual, queer, and other nonheterosexual (LGBQ+) young adults. Guided by sexual minority stress and alcohol-related violence theories, we addressed this gap by examining whether (a) alcohol use preceded and was positively related to CDA perpetration and (b) more frequent LGBQ+-based discrimination strengthened this association. LGBQ+ college students (N= 41; 75.6% women, 22% men, and 2.4% transgender/nonbinary) completed baseline assessments of past-year LGBQ+-specific discrimination (hostility, heterosexist harassment, and incivility) followed by daily assessments of alcohol use and CDA for 60 days. Multilevel modeling revealed that participants were less likely to perpetrate CDA on days when they consumed more alcohol than usual (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = .49,p< .001). Individuals who experienced more frequent hostility (aOR = .63,p< .001) and incivility (aOR = .88,p= .003) were less likely to perpetrate CDA. No other main effects or alcohol × discrimination interactions emerged. Alcohol may not be a proximal antecedent of LGBQ+ college students’ CDA. Daily assessments of discrimination and couple-level coping may help clarify the role of LGBQ+-specific discrimination in CDA.

“I Feel like This Contributed to my Ongoing Pattern of Hiding from my Sexuality Throughout my Later Life”: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of the Biphobic Experiences of Bi+ Men

Minority stress theory posits a direct link for LGBTQ+ individuals between societal treatment (distal factors) and health concerns (Brooks, 1981; Meyer, 2003). Bi+individuals (individuals who are attracted to more than one gender) have disproportionately high rates of these concerns (Polihronakis et al., 2021). This study uses a reflexive thematic analysis to understand the biphobic experiences of bi+ men in hopes of knowing how best to tailor interventions aimed at reducing adverse health outcomes. Covert and overt experiences such as microaggressions, rejection, discrimination, harassment, and trauma were identified as common themes. Internalized biphobia was found to be a major commonality, typically following a biphobic event. Several participants also identified a religious basis for their experiences of biphobia. Participants identified these experiences as having a significant impact on their wellbeing. Each of the participants shared stories that provide insight into bi+ men’s experiences with biphobia.

Sexual minority stressors and disordered eating behaviors in daily life: a daily diary study of sexual minority cisgender female couples

ABSTRACT Young cisgender sexual minority women (e.g. lesbian, queer) in the U.S. are at risk for disordered eating behaviors (DEB). Minority stress theory proposes sexual minority stressors (SMS; e.g. discrimination) related to marginalized statuses are culturally specific stressors that may explain engagement in these behaviors. However, little is known about daily SMS-DEB associations. We conducted a 14-day daily diary study of 321 U.S.-based sexual minority cisgender women ages 19–35 who were in a relationship with a woman. SMS were assessed using an 8-item daily measure of distal SMS (e.g. heard anti-LGBT talk, verbal harassment), and DEB with single items capturing dietary restraint, overeating, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. Multi-level models revealed on days when women experienced SMS, they were more likely to report dietary restraint and emotional eating, but not overeating or loss of control eating. Women who generally reported more frequent SMS were more likely to report all four DEB. There were no significant couple-level SMS-DEB associations. These findings expand our understanding of how SMS is associated with DEB in the daily lives of cisgender sexual minority women. Future studies are needed to explore the temporal sequencing of the associations. Findings may also help to inform the design of culturally tailored interventions aimed at reducing DEB among sexual minority women.

Perceived Discrimination, Resilience, and Health in Male Sexual Minorities in Taiwan: A Moderated Mediation Model

<p>本研究旨在探討遭受歧視對男同志身心健康的影響，並分析內化污名、憂思反芻對其關係之中介效果，以及復原力對其關係之調節效果。研究採用問卷調查法，蒐集242位男同志的資料，以調節式中介效果路徑分析進行假設驗證。研究結果發現：（1）遭受歧視與內化污名、憂思反芻對男同志身心健康有顯著的負向影響，復原力對男同志身心健康有顯著的正向影響；遭受歧視與復原力對內化污名、憂思反芻有顯著的正向影響；（2）內化污名、憂思反芻在遭受歧視與男同志身心健康間有顯著的完全負向中介效果；（3）遭受歧視與復原力的交互作用會顯著影響內化污名，但不顯著影響憂思反芻；（4）復原力顯著調節內化污名在遭受歧視與男同志身心健康間的中介效果。研究結論如下：外在環境的歧視、個體內在的內化污名與憂思反芻會對男同志身心健康有著負面影響。內化污名與憂思反芻對遭受歧視與男同志身心健康有著完全中介效果。復原力可對男同志身心健康進行調節，尤其可減少遭受歧視透過內化污名的負面影響。不過，復原力可能沒辦法減少歧視透過憂思反芻對男同志身心健康的負面影響。本研究根據以上所述，提出相關的討論與建議。</p> <p> </p><p>Background and Purpose</p> <p>Sexual minority individuals are at a higher risk of developing several negative health outcomes, such as substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Meyer’s minority stress theory is popularly employed to understand how social stigma and constructed sexual minority communities’ unfriendly social conditions affect the health of sexual minority individuals. Based on heteronomativity, sexual minority individuals’ desires or identities are silenced, ignored, denied, or labelled as abnormal. Therefore, they may develop tendencies toward self-denial or selfsuppression. These conditions lead to different types of minority stressors for sexual minorities. According to this theory, minority stressors include general, distal, and proximal stressors. However, Meyer suggested that sexual minority individuals develop resilience to buffer the influence of minority stressors. In summary, it is essential to investigate the relationships among perceived discrimination, resilience, internalized sexual stigma (ISS), rumination, and physical or psychological health among male sexual minority individuals.</p> <p>This study examined the joint and interactive effects of perceived discrimination and resilience on ISS, brooding rumination, and physical and psychological health among male sexual minorities in Taiwan. This study also examined the role of ISS and brooding rumination as mediators between perceived discrimination and health and resilience as a moderator of the relationship between perceived discrimination and ISS, rumination, and health.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study administered a cross-sectional online survey distributed on social networking pages and sexual minority community groups between January and June 2021. The respondents were recruited through online advertisements and an online survey. This survey assessed discrimination using the Discrimination/Harassment subscale of the Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire. ISS was measured using the short version of the Measure of Internalized Sexual Stigma for Lesbians and Gay Men. Further, brooding rumination was assessed using the short version of the Ruminative Response Scale. Furthermore, resilience was measured using the Resilience Scale, and health was assessed using four questions from a questionnaire designed to determine physical and mental health problems in sexual minority communities. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlations between distal and proximal minority stressors, brooding rumination, resilience, and health. We used a series of path analyses to test the relationships hypothesized in the moderated mediation model to determine the significance of the direct and indirect effects.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>A total of 242 male sexual minority individuals aged 18–70 years (M = 34.47, SD = 9.84) participated in this survey. The average Daily Heterosexist Experiences Questionnaire score was 0.78 (out of 6). The average score on the Internalized Sexual Stigma is 2.57 (out of 5). Moreover, the average score on the Brooding Ruminative Response Scale’s short version was 2,49 (out of 4). The average score on the resilience Scale was 5.17 (out of 7), and the average health score was 3.32 (out of 5), respectively. Regression analyses indicated that (1) discrimination experience, internalized sexual stigma, and rumination were negatively related to physical or psychological health, (2) resilience was positively related to physical or psychological health, (3) discrimination experience was positively related to internalized sexual stigma and rumination, and (4) resilience was negatively related to internalized sexual stigma and rumination. The mediating roles of internalized sexual stigma and rumination in the relationship between discrimination and health, as well as the moderating role of resilience, were partly significant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The findings demonstrate that relationships among discrimination, resilience, internalized sexual stigma, rumination, and physical or psychological health among male sexual minorities did exist. The findings also showed that the mediators and moderators used to evaluate the effects of minority stress on health were useful. Some issues and suggestions were discussed to help mental health practitioners provide more appropriate services to male sexual minority individuals. Furthermore, culturally sensitive research in the field of sexual minority health is required.</p> <p> </p>

Conceptualizing discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers in the unbounded workplace

AbstractThe workplace is a key space where LGBTQ+ people face discrimination leading to mental health distress. This paper shows how spatial attributes of work shape experiences and perceptions of discrimination and mental health distress. Building on minority stress theory, we demonstrate how spatial attributes of work can cause, amplify, or mitigate mental health distress among LGBTQ+ people through direct and indirect mechanisms, such as anticipated discrimination, perceived discrimination, and the availability of coping devices. Our findings suggest that understanding the connection between workplace discrimination and poor mental health requires a more nuanced understanding of the workplace, highlighting how workplace stressors are simultaneously emplaced in and exceed the spatiotemporal bounds of the workplace.

Differential patterns of emotion regulation in sexual minority adolescents in residential treatment

ObjectiveSexual minority adolescents experience disproportionate mental health problems, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Minority Stress Theory posits that sexual minority people experience significantly more stress (e.g., via discrimination or prejudice) in their everyday lives, which can underlie these mental health disparities. Though group differences in mental health symptoms are well-documented, there has been less focus on symptom trajectories, which is critical for identifying effective mental health interventions. MethodSeventy adolescents ages 13–19 years enrolled in a short-term, acute residential psychiatric treatment program provided self-report measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and emotion regulation difficulties at baseline, discharge (∼2 weeks), and one-month post-treatment follow-up. Adolescents self-reported sexual orientation and were stratified into sexual minority (SM, n = 37) or heterosexual (n = 33) groups. ResultsDepressive and anxiety symptoms and emotion dysregulation scores were significantly reduced at follow-up, compared to baseline. While there were no significant group x time interactions for depressive and anxiety symptoms, the SM group entered the program with worse emotion dysregulation scores, which improved more over time compared to the heterosexual group. ConclusionThese findings show that although sexual minority individuals can make substantial gains during residential treatment, emotion regulation difficulties are a particularly relevant treatment target. Emotion regulation, a transdiagnostic construct that typically develops substantially during adolescence, might be of critical importance when identifying effective treatment interventions for sexual minority youth. LimitationsAdolescents in this sample demonstrated limited racial diversity and likely displayed a higher degree of psychopathology than the general population.

The socioecology of sexual minority stigma: Advancing theory on stigma-based mechanisms underlying sexual orientation-based disparities in health

Research in public health and psychology has identified sexual minority stigma-related risk factors that contribute to sexual orientation-based health disparities across settings and societies worldwide. Existing scholarship, however, has predominantly focused on these factors as independent, stand-alone risk factors, neglecting their interconnected nature across different levels. This article theoretically explores how sexual minority stigma may function as a multilevel socioecological system, by building on prevailing theories and emphasizing the interplay between structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal stigma-related factors. Drawing on the minority stress and socioecological theories, three central tenets are proposed, namely 1) chronosystem with immediate, accumulating, or lasting effects across spatiotemporal contexts, 2) nested multilevel system with cross-level effects, and 3) mechanistic pathways linking stigma exposure to health. By providing a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of how sexual minority stigma may operate as a multilevel socioecological system, this article reflects on the novel implications of this interpretation for future research and aims to guide future conceptualizations and studies, acknowledging the complexity of sexual minority stigma exposure across historical contexts, societies, and the individual life course in shaping physical and mental health of sexual minorities. Limitations of current research and recommendations for future research are being discussed.

When connecting with LGBTQ+ communities helps and why it does: A meta-analysis of the relationship between connectedness and health-related outcomes.

We conducted a multilevel meta-analysis of 390 effect sizes from 167 studies with 157,923 participants examining the relationship between connectedness with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and health-related outcomes, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted our initial search in January 2023 in APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, and Open Dissertations, selecting studies that (a) measured LGBTQ+ community connectedness, (b) measured health, and (c) provided an estimate of the relationship between LGBTQ+ community connectedness and health. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes mental health (r = .11), well-being (r = .17), and physical health (r = .09). Conversely, we found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes substance use among younger participants, likely through behavioral engagement with LGBTQ+ others. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities was related to less mental health and more suicidality for younger people, likely because younger LGBTQ+ people seek out connectedness in response to this psychological distress. We also found that connectedness was not as health-promoting for LGBTQ+ individuals with multiple marginalized identities and that psychological feelings of belongingness with LGBTQ+ communities are generally more health-promoting than behavioral community engagement. Results from a narrative review and moderation meta-analyses suggested that, contrary to predictions made by minority stress theory, connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities does not buffer the relationship between minority stressors and health. Rather, meta-analytic mediation analyses suggested that proximal minority stressors negatively impact health-related outcomes by reducing connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities and that distal minority stressors are often less impactful on health-related outcomes because they promote connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Health-Related Experiences of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Coloradans: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Extant literature on transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people living in the United States is centered on bicoastal metropolitan cities. Little is known about the health status and health-related barriers among TGD people living in the middle of the country. Minority Stress Theory (MST) provides a framework for understanding how TGD people experience stressors that shape their health-related experiences. To describe health-related experiences of TGD people living in Colorado using the MST framework. The scoping review was limited to peer-reviewed, English-language studies published between January 2018 and November 2023. Data abstraction and synthesis were performed using Thomas and Harden's approach to thematic synthesis. Twenty-one articles were included in the review. Seventeen (80.9%) articles were quantitative studies, two (9.5%) were qualitative, and two (9.5%) were mixed methods. Most of the participants were transfeminine and 18 years old or younger. Three themes emerged (1) TGD Coloradans experience multiple health-related stressors, (2) these stressors contribute to poor health outcomes, and (3) overcome with coping strategies and/or social support. TGD Coloradans experience multiple stressors related to their TGD identity that shape their health-related experiences. Nurses play a critical role in intervening in these stressors and addressing care disparities.

PrEP Stigma as a Minority Stressor among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Mixed-Methods Study

Black sexual minority men (BSMM) remain disproportionately affected by HIV, yet Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in this population remains relatively low. Informed by minority stress theory, PrEP stigma may manifest in and exacerbate societal marginalization based on sexuality and race. We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach to determine if PrEP-specific stigma was associated with reduced PrEP uptake among BSMM, and qualitatively explored how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot sample of BSMM (n = 151) collected in late 2020 in the United States, testing for associations between PrEP stigma and PrEP use using modified Poisson regression. Subsequently, we selected participants (n = 23) from this sample for qualitative interviews starting in 2022. Responses to questions related to PrEP stigma were analyzed using thematic analysis. PrEP stigma was associated less than half the PrEP use (aPR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.75) among BSMM after adjustment. Qualitatively, we identified three major themes in how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM: PrEP-specific sexual stigma, intersections between PrEP and HIV stigma, and PrEP misinformation and disinformation. Aligned with minority stress theory, each theme was based in part in stigma related to sexuality or race. We found strong relationships between PrEP stigma and PrEP use independent of several sociobehavioral factors. Each of our themes were based in part in minority stressors, and underscore the importance of culturally competent PrEP promotion efforts towards BSMM. Addressing stigma is a core component of health equity efforts towards ending the HIV epidemic.

Psychosocial correlates of LGBTIQ+ experiences in selected African countries: Reimagining LGBTIQ+ research

AbstractThis paper explores the multifaceted experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQ+) people in selected African countries within legal, health, and educational sectors, and the broader society. It further highlights efforts that address issues around inclusion and social injustice. In the selected African countries (e.g., Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, and Uganda), LGBTIQ+ related activities are constitutionally illegal, leading to social discrimination or criminalization. Discrimination and stigma occur in various institutions which promotes homophobic sentiments, self‐harm and ostracization among LGBTIQ+ people. Notable countries like South Africa and Mozambique, have decriminalized same‐sex relationships, but these have not necessarily halted incidences of homophobia, social alienation, and discrimination that persist across the continent. In this article, queer theory and sexual minority stress theory are applied as contextual tools to explicate the everyday experiences of LGBTIQ+ people in sectors such as law, education, and health. As a contribution to the discourse on LGBTIQ+ people and research in Africa, this article further explores how discrimination, stigma, compulsive survival coping strategies, and legislation impede the overall psychosocial wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people. Although this paper's narrative is primarily restricted to a few selected African countries, the narratives are relatable to non‐Western states with collectivist cultural orientations.

Momentary Minority Stress, Nicotine Use, and Craving: Moderation by Nicotine-Use Motives Among Sexual Minority Youth

ABSTRACT Objective This pre-registered analysis aimed to examine the moderating role of nicotine-use motives on the association between minority stress and nicotine use and craving among sexual minority youth. Method Data stem from a 30-day ecological momentary assessment study conducted among 83 sexual minority youth ages 15–19 years old (M age = 17.96, SD = 1.10; 56.63% cisgender women; 73.5% non-Hispanic White). Participants were instructed to complete at least four assessments per day on wireless devices. Two types of multilevel models were estimated: models predicting day-level nicotine use and models predicting momentary nicotine use craving. Results Experiencing minority stressors was not associated with day-level nicotine use, but it was associated with greater momentary nicotine craving. Nicotine use-motives did not moderate the association between minority stress and nicotine use. In contrast, stress-reduction motives, assessed as a person-level trait, moderated the association between minority stress and nicotine craving, such that nicotine craving after experiencing a minority stressor was consistently higher relative to when minority stress had not been reported. Sensitivity analyses that examined associations between minority stress and nicotine use on a given day, regardless of temporal order, showed that minority stress was associated with higher odds of nicotine use on that day. Conclusions Experiencing minority stressors did not predict day-level nicotine use but does contribute to greater momentary nicotine craving, informing minority stress theory. Consistency of the minority stress and nicotine craving relation, largely regardless of trait-level motives, highlights the potential context dependence of nicotine craving among sexual minority youth. Preregistration: This study was preregistered at osf.io/w5sz9.

Therapy and counselling experiences of queer adults in Germany

AbstractBackgroundMental health professionals play a crucial role in either alleviating or exacerbating stress among queer clients.AimsDrawing on minority stress theory, we conducted a study to examine the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or consensually non‐monogamous clients with current or recent psychotherapy or counselling experiences in Germany.MethodA convenience sample of 492 queer individuals participated in an online survey, providing insights into their most recent experiences with psychotherapy or counselling and evaluating the success of these processes. Among the participants, 92% identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another non‐heterosexual identity, while 8% identified as heterosexual. Additionally, 54% reported being in consensually non‐monogamous relationships, and 23% identified as gender‐diverse.ResultsThe majority (92%) had prior experience with psychotherapy, with over half reporting their last session within the last month. The remaining 8% reported counselling experience. Most participants rated their recent psychotherapy or counselling process as successful. Exemplary practices were more common than inappropriate ones. While overt discrimination by mental health professionals was rare, subtle inappropriate behaviours were still prevalent. Affirmative and actively reassuring practices were strongly linked to subjective therapy success.ConclusionThe study's findings warrant cautious optimism regarding a non‐discriminative stance in German mental health professionals while highlighting the need for further research, training and guidelines for therapists and counsellors.

Including Sexually and Gender Diverse Populations in 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Trial Research.

Sexually and gender diverse (SGD) populations experience an increased prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with the general population. Minority stress theory contextualizes this increased disease burden by outlining how stigma and discrimination (e.g., homophobia and transphobia) contribute to worse mental health outcomes. The standard-of-care pharmacotherapy for PTSD is associated with significant treatment resistance. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) has emerged as an investigational treatment for PTSD but has lacked consideration for SGD populations. This article explores next steps in clinical trial design and implementation for the study of MDMA-AP with SGD populations who have PTSD.

Exploring the Health Impact of Intersectional Minority Identity Stressors on Arab Sexual Minority Women Migrants to the United States.

Using an intersectionality lens and the minority stress theory as our theoretical grounding, this qualitative study is the first to examine the mental health of Arab sexual minority women (SMW) migrants to the United States. The study aimed to (1) explore the perceptions and experiences of intersectional minority identity-related life stressors and (2) discern their impact on the mental health of first-generation Arab SMW migrants. From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with Arab SMW migrants. Guided by principles of community engagement in research, four community advisors, including three Arab SMW migrants and a mental health service provider, assisted in mock interviews, recruitment, and data analysis. This enriched our thematic analysis providing a nuanced understanding of Arab SMW migrant experiences. Participants reflected diverse nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, and religions and identified as lesbian, bisexual, or queer. Our sample included asylum seekers, documented migrants, and non-binary individuals (assigned female at birth). Findings revealed three major themes: (1) Community- and Interpersonal-Level Stressors, (2) Strategies for Coping with Stressors, and (3) Impact of Intersectional Life Stressors on Mental Health. Community- and interpersonal-level stressors included challenges navigating migration-related stressors, rejection and discrimination from the Arab, queer, and dominant-group (i.e., non-Arab, non-White) communities, and experiences of invalidation of their intersectional identities. Coping mechanisms included avoidance, identity concealment, and seeking social support. Participants reported various mental health impacts, from anxiety, depression to suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the urgency for tailored interventions. Participants called for the development of support groups specifically for Arab SMW migrants.

Gender Identity and Its Influence on Social Support Networks among LGBTQ+ youth in New Zealand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the gender identity and its influence on social support networks among LGBTQ+ youth in New Zealand. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on gender identity and its influence on social support networks among LGBTQ+ youth in New Zealand highlights that individuals with diverse gender identities often face unique challenges in accessing and maintaining supportive relationships. Findings indicate that LGBTQ+ youth experience varying levels of support based on their gender identity, with those who identify as non-binary or transgender sometimes facing more barriers compared to their cisgender or gay/lesbian peers. Social support networks play a crucial role in providing emotional and practical assistance, but the quality and availability of these network Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, minority stress theory & ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on gender identity and its influence on social support networks among LGBTQ+ youth in New Zealand. Implement educational programs for families to foster understanding, acceptance, and support for transgender and non-binary youth. Advocate for and implement comprehensive anti-bullying and inclusivity policies in schools that protect LGBTQ+ students. Policies should mandate the creation of safe spaces and support groups within educational institutions.

Assessment of Sexual Violence Risk Perception in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proposal for the Development and Validation of "G-Date".

Sexual violence (SV) is a significant problem for sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM). The limited research suggests SV is associated with a host of syndemic conditions. These factors tend to cluster and interact to worsen one another. Unfortunately, while much work has been conducted to examine these factors in heterosexual women, there is a lack of research examining MSM, especially their SV risk perception. Further, MSM are active users of dating and sexual networking (DSN) mobile apps, and this technology has demonstrated usefulness for creating safe spaces for MSM to meet and engage partners. However, mounting data demonstrate that DSN app use is associated with an increased risk for SV, especially given the higher likelihood of using alcohol and other drugs before sex. By contrast, some researchers have demonstrated that DSN technology can be harnessed as a prevention tool for HIV; unfortunately, no such work has progressed regarding SV. This study aims to (1) use qualitative and quantitative methods to tailor an existing laboratory paradigm of SV risk perception in women for MSM using a DSN mobile app framework and (2) subject this novel paradigm to a rigorous validation study to confirm its usefulness in predicting SV, with the potential for use in future prevention endeavors. To tailor the paradigm for MSM, a team of computer scientists created an initial DSN app (G-Date) and incorporated ongoing feedback about the usability, feasibility, and realism of this tool from a representative sample of MSM. We used focus groups and interviews to assist in the development of G-Date, including by identifying relevant stimuli, developing the cover story, and establishing the appropriate study language. To confirm the paradigm's usefulness, we are conducting an experimental study with web-based and face-to-face participants to determine the content, concurrent, and predictive validities of G-Date. We will evaluate whether certain correlates of SV informed by syndemics and minority stress theories (eg, history of SV and alcohol and drug use) affect the ability of MSM to detect SV risk within G-Date and how paradigm engagement influences behavior in actual DSN app use contexts. This study received funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism on September 10, 2020, and ethics approval on October 19, 2020, and we began app development for aim 1 immediately thereafter. We began data collection for the aim 2 validation study in December 2022. Initial results from the validation study are expected to be available after December 2025. We hope that G-Date will enhance our understanding of factors associated with SV risk and serve as a useful step in creating prevention programs for this susceptible population.