Publication details
A Network Approach to Minority Stress : Sexual Identity Groups Comparison
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Objective: The Minority Stress Theory assumes a one-directed relationship of stressors causing a higher risk of health issues in LGBTQIA+ people. Moreover, most research tests this effect using correlational analyses (e.g., linear regression) which cannot be interpreted causally. Based on existing findings from the dynamic network approach to health and psychopathology, we suggest a new way of conceptualization: the relationship between stress and its negative effect on health is not only bidirectional but also mutually dependent and self-enhancing. Design and Method: Using a large LGBTQIA+ sample (n = 3,025) and a pre-registered network analysis, we show the interconnectedness of 16 fundamental variables of the minority stress model including proximal stress, social well-being, and psychosomatic health problems. Besides estimating a full-sample network model, we compared six group networks based on sexual identity. Results: The results showed that loneliness is the key bridge between health problems, social support, and proximal stress. Moreover, depression symptoms, friend support, and acceptance concerns were the central variables of the minority stress network. There were several differences in the minority stress structure among gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, and asexual people, especially in the social support cluster and health problems cluster. Conclusions: Our study is the first to suggest and show the non-linear structure of minority stress and by pinpointing the various importance of queer health-related phenomena, we propose recommendations for more personalized and effective health care. |
| Related projects: |