Examining predictors of minority stress among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Clarke, Olivia (2019) Examining predictors of minority stress among LGBTQ+ individuals. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Previous literature investigating the experiences of those who identify as LGBTQ+ suggests that these individuals face a number of mental health disparities when compared to their heterosexual and/or cisgender counterparts; this has been attributed to minority stress. This research study aims to investigate the predictive relationship between minority stress levels and stigma consciousness (expectations of being met with discrimination due to a stigmatised minority identity) and identity distress as proximal stressors along with sense of belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and self-esteem as protective factors. One hundred and eight participants recruited through volunteer sampling completed online questionnaires regarding these four predictors and their levels of minority stress. Due to multicollinearity, the self-esteem and identity distress measures were removed from further analysis. Results indicated that stigma consciousness was a strong predictor of minority stress levels while sense of belonging did not significantly protect individuals from experiencing minority stress. Results highlight the fact that more needs to be done to reduce levels of stigma consciousness among those who identify as LGBTQ+, ways to do this are discussed.