Sexual Orientation Victimization Research Articles

Effect of sexual orientation victimization on suicidality: Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as mediators, and independent self-construal as moderator.

Effect of sexual orientation victimization on suicidality: Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as mediators, and independent self-construal as moderator.

Supplemental Material for Effect of Sexual Orientation Victimization on Suicidality: Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness as Mediators, and Independent Self-Construal as Moderator

Supplemental Material for Effect of Sexual Orientation Victimization on Suicidality: Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness as Mediators, and Independent Self-Construal as Moderator

Medial Prefrontal Cortex Activity to Reward Outcome Moderates the Association Between Victimization Due to Sexual Orientation and Depression in Youth

BackgroundSexual minority youth (SMY) are 3 times more likely to experience depression than heterosexual peers. Minority stress theory posits that this association is explained by sexual orientation victimization, which acts as a stressor to impact depression. For those vulnerable to the effects of stress, victimization may worsen depression by altering activity in neural reward systems. This study examines whether neural reward systems moderate the influence of sexual orientation victimization, a common and distressing experience in SMY, on depression. MethodsA total of 81 participants ages 15 to 22 years (41% SMY, 52% marginalized race) reported sexual orientation victimization, depression severity, and anhedonia severity, and underwent a monetary reward functional magnetic resonance imaging task. Significant activation to reward > neutral outcome (pfamilywise error < .05) was determined within a meta-analytically derived Neurosynth reward mask. A univariate linear model examined the impact of reward activation and identity on victimization–depression relationships. ResultsSMY reported higher depression (p < .001), anhedonia (p = .03), and orientation victimization (p < .001) than heterosexual youth. The bilateral ventral striatum, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex, and right orbitofrontal cortex were significantly active to reward. mPFC activation moderated associations between sexual orientation victimization and depression (p = .03), with higher depression severity observed in those with a combination of higher mPFC activation and greater orientation victimization. ConclusionsSexual orientation victimization was related to depression but only in the context of higher mPFC activation, a pattern observed in depressed youth. These novel results provide evidence for neural reward sensitivity as a vulnerability factor for depression in SMY, suggesting mechanisms for disparities, and are a first step toward a clinical neuroscience understanding of minority stress in SMY.

P231. Medial Prefrontal Cortex Activation to Reward Outcome Moderates Influence of Sexual Orientation Victimization in Adolescents and Young Adults

Sexual minority youth (SMY) are at greater risk for depression than heterosexual counterparts. Minority stress theory posits that sexual orientation victimization acts as a chronic stressor to influence depression. For those responsive to stress, stress may worsen depression by altering activity in neural reward systems. This study examines whether orientation victimization impacts neural reward activity and depression, and whether these relationships differ by SMY status.

Homophobia is online: Sexual victimization and risks on the internet and mental health among bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual, and queer adolescents

The first aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and frequency of different forms of online sexual victimization and risks among sexual minorities, including sexting, sexual orientation- and gender-based victimization, unwanted sexual attention, sextortion, and revenge porn. The second aim was to examine whether online sexual victimization and risks mediate the relationship between being a sexual minority and mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. The sample was composed of 1779 adolescents (50.9% girls) between 12 and 18 years old (mean age = 13.92, SD = 1.27), and 146 of them (8.2%) were sexual minorities (specifically, bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, asexual, or queer adolescents). About 17.3% of sexual minority adolescents have sent a sext. Four out of ten adolescents (41.1%) had experienced online sexual orientation discrimination and 28.4% gender-based victimization. More than forty percent (45.2%) experienced unwanted sexual attention, 9% were victims of sextortion, and 5.5% had been targets of revenge porn. Sexting, online sexual orientation victimization and gender-based victimization, and unwanted sexual attention partially mediated the relationship between being a sexual minority and mental health outcomes (i.e., depression and anxiety). More prevention programs aimed to reduce online sexual victimization and risks for sexual minorities are needed.

Sexual Orientation Victimization and Depression among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youths in Hong Kong: The Mediating Role of Social Support

ABSTRACT This paper examines how social support mediates the association between sexual orientation victimization and depression among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in an Asian context (i.e., Hong Kong). Data were obtained through convenience sampling and snowball sampling of responses from 153 gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths aged 18–26, using an online, anonymous, and self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling provided a good fit for the sample as a whole. The findings show that depression levels are not significantly associated with sexual orientation victimization in a direct way. Instead, depression levels are significantly and indirectly associated with sexual orientation victimization as mediated through the perception of social support. The findings suggest, furthermore, that social support plays an important mediating role in the association between sexual orientation victimization and depression among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in Hong Kong. Promoting various sources of social support may be a core element of future policies and intervention programs for protecting lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth victims against depression and other psychologically negative outcomes of sexual orientation victimization.

The Effects of Three Types of Sexual Orientation Victimization on HIV Sexual Risk Behavior Among Black South African Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study is to examine the relations between histories of three types of sexual orientation victimization (childhood, personal, and institutional) and HIV sexual risk behavior among Black South African men who have sex with men (MSM). Secondarily, this study examines whether marijuana use and problem drinking mediate the relations. Participants were 125 Black MSM recruited from neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Questionnaires administered through audio computerized self-interviewing assessed sexual orientation victimizations, problem drinking and marijuana use, and unprotected anal sex with casual partners. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and multiple mediation modeling.Personal and institutional sexual victimizations were associated with condomless anal sex. Childhood sexual orientation victimization was positively associated with problem drinking. Neither problem drinking nor marijuana use mediated the relations between sexual orientation victimizations and having condomless anal sex with casual partners.

Minority stress, perceived burdensomeness, and depressive symptoms among sexual minority youth

Although studies have shown links between minority stress and mental health (e.g., Meyer, 2003), there is little research explaining this association. Research has suggested that adequate coping skills might protect youth from the negative impact of stress (Compas et al., 2017). Thus, we aimed to examine: 1) whether associations between minority stress and depressive symptoms occurred through mechanisms of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and 2) whether these associations were dependent on level of problem-solving coping (moderated mediation). Using an online survey of 267 sexual minority youth from the Netherlands (16–22 years; 28.8% male), the results show an indirect relationship of sexual orientation victimization and internalized homophobia with depressive symptoms occurring through perceived burdensomeness; for both males and females. Problem-solving coping skills did not significantly moderate the aforementioned indirect relationships. These results have implications for prevention and intervention work that currently focuses on social isolation rather than perceived burdensomeness.

Heterosexism, Depression, and Campus Engagement Among LGBTQ College Students: Intersectional Differences and Opportunities for Healing

ABSTRACTLGBTQ people experience health disparities related to multilevel processes of sexual and gender marginalization, and intersections with racism can compound these challenges for LGBTQ people of color. Although community engagement may be protective for mental health broadly and for LGBTQ communities in buffering against heterosexism, little research has been conducted on the racialized dynamics of these processes among LGBTQ communities. This study analyzes cross-sectional survey data collected among a diverse sample of LGBTQ college students (n = 460), which was split by racial status. Linear regression models were used to test main effects of interpersonal heterosexism and engagement with campus organizations on depression, as well as moderating effects of campus engagement. For White LGBTQ students, engaging in student leadership appears to weaken the heterosexism–depression link—specifically, the experience of interpersonal microaggressions. For LGBTQ students of color, engaging in LGBTQ-specific spaces can strengthen the association between sexual orientation victimization and depression.

Minority stress and mechanisms of risk for depression and suicidal ideation among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

The experience of minority stress is often named as a cause for mental health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth, including higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation. The processes or mechanisms through which these disparities occur are understudied. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide posits 2 key mechanisms for suicidal ideation: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness (Joiner et al., 2009). The aim of the current study is to assess the mental health and adjustment among LGB youth emphasizing the minority stress model (Meyer, 2003) and the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (Joiner et al., 2009). With a survey of 876 LGB self-identified youth, levels of coming-out stress, sexual orientation victimization, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, depression, and suicidal ideation were examined. The results of a multigroup mediation model show that for all gender and sexual identity groups, the association of sexual orientation victimization with depression and suicidal ideation was mediated by perceived burdensomeness. For gay, lesbian, and bisexual girls coming-out stress was also found to be related to depression and suicidal ideation, mediated by perceived burdensomeness. The results suggest that feeling like a burden to "people in their lives" is a critical mechanism in explaining higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation among LGB youth. These results have implications for community and social support groups, many of which base their interventions on decreasing social isolation rather than addressing youths' beliefs of burdensomeness. Implications for future research, clinical and community settings are discussed.

Are sexual orientation, homophobia and homophobic victimization in schools factors of suicide and risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults?

Are sexual orientation, homophobia and homophobic victimization in schools factors of suicide and risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults?

School avoidance and substance use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youths: The impact of peer victimization and adult support.

This study examined differences among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youths in their perceptions of adult support. For socially stigmatized youths, adult support is of particular significance. However, there is very little understanding about how adult support protects youths from homophobic victimization as well as other risk factors. In this study, 2 models depicting the influence of adult support on sexual orientation victimization (SOV), school avoidance, and substance use were examined. In the 1st model, the indirect impact of adult support on school avoidance and substance use via SOV was examined. In the 2nd model, the role of adult support as a moderator buffering the impact of SOV on school avoidance and substance use was evaluated. Secondary students in Grades 8--12 from 18 schools in a large urban district (N = 19,551) took part in a districtwide survey on the social experiences of youths within the school context. Results provided support for both models, confirming that adult support is an important contributor to school adjustment, although just how adult support protects youths varied across different sexual orientation groups.

Sexual Orientation Victimization and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth

This cross-sectional study utilized data gathered from 350 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth, and examined the relationship between significant life experiences and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PSS), with an ultimate goal of analyzing contribution of sexual orientation victimization (SOV) to PSS among LGB youth. Results of bivariate analyses indicate that verbal and physical sexual orientation victimization, childhood gender atypicality, internalized homophobia, and stressful life events unrelated to sexual orientation were all individually related to PSS. Multivariate analysis showed that verbal and physical sexual orientation victimization explained a significant portion of variance, over and above the study's other variables. Internalized homophobia, stressful life events, and verbal sexual orientation victimization were found to be the most significant predictors of PSS among LGB youth.

Sexual minority youth, social connection and resilience: From personal struggle to collective identity

Sexual minority youth are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Researchers suggest that sexual orientation victimization is a predictor of such outcomes. Social connectedness—or the importance of belonging where youth perceive they are cared for and empowered within a given context—has been associated with positive youth outcomes. This qualitative study utilized life story methodology. Life stories are considered to be important expressions of one’s identity and are shaped by personal, social, and cultural contexts. Twenty-two interviews were conducted with 15 young people ranging in age from 14 to 22 years. Two focus groups with youth were also conducted. Youth were recruited from rural and urban communities in Massachusetts. This study contributes to the literature on resilience by including the voices of sexual minority youth and explores the meaning of social connection in their lives. Youth discuss the ways in which individual connection and group affiliation served to affirm one’s identity, and provided a forum for moving personal struggle to collective action. The findings suggest the need to reconceptualize consequences of disconnection (such as depression or suicide) from individual pathology and attend to these consequences as a response to discrimination and stigma. Implications for these findings and areas for future research are discussed.

Producing Homonormativity in Neoliberal South Africa: Recognition, Redistribution, and the Equality Project

Producing Homonormativity in Neoliberal South Africa: Recognition, Redistribution, and the Equality Project

Silencing (Homo)Sexualities in School ... A Very Bad Idea

Silencing (Homo)Sexualities in School ... A Very Bad Idea

Lesbian and Bisexual Female Youths Aged 14 to 21: Developmental Challenges and Victimization Experiences

SUMMARY Two hundred six lesbian and bisexual female youth aged 14 to 21 were sampled from social and recreational settings. Most were aware of their same-sex attractions in adolescence, but disclosure to others lagged by five years. Youth on average spent 30% of their lives aware of their orientation without disclosure to others. According to youths' reports, three-quarters of their mothers and half of their fathers knew of their sexual orientation. Half had experienced repetitive verbal abuse, 12% reported several threats, and 7% had been assaulted multiple times. Youths who had self-identified as lesbian or bisexual or had told others of their sexual orientation reported more lifetime sexual orientation victimization. Fewer mental health symptoms were associated with having support from parents and with having not lost friends due to their sexual orientation. Less past sexual orientation victimization and fewer fears about future attacks were significant predictors of having less mental health symptoms. To decrease the victimization young lesbians and bisexual females experience, efforts need to be made to help families become more supportive and to make schools safer.

Incidence and mental health impact of sexual orientation victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in high school.

This study examined victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (lgb) youths aged 21 and younger. Experiences of direct victimization as well as knowledge of other lgb youths’ victimization were assessed. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths who were more open in high school about their sexual orientation and who had a history of more gender atypical behavior were victimized more often. Male youths were targeted significantly more often than females. Youths’ current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with having experienced more verbal abuse in high school.

Disclosure of Sexual Orientation, Victimization, and Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older Adults

This study examined the lifetime victimization based on sexual orientation of 416 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) older adults aged 60 or older. Participants reported the ages at which they were aware of their sexual orientation, self-identified as LGB, and first disclosed their sexual orientation to anyone. Frequencies of nine kinds of verbal and physical victimization were obtained. Nearly three quarters reported some kind of sexual orientation victimization. Men reported more overall victimization than women. The more open participants were about their sexual orientation and the less time they spent before disclosing their sexual orientation, the more victimization they reported. Physical victimization was associated with earlier achievement of sexual orientation milestones and more time being open about one's sexual orientation. Participants who had been physically attacked reported lower self-esteem, more loneliness, and poorer mental health than others. More suicide attempts were reported among those older adults who were physically attacked.