Discrimination and Mental Health Among Sexual Minority College Students: The Type and Form of Discrimination Does Matter

Abstract

Research indicates that interpersonal discrimination contributes to mental problems among sexual minorities. However, little attention has been given to subtle discrimination and witnessing discrimination. This study examines the relationship among sexual orientation, experiencing and witnessing hostility (e.g., verbal threats), incivility (e.g., dirty looks), heterosexist harassment (e.g., homophobic names), and moderate/high anxiety and depression symptoms among college students. Results indicated that experiencing hostility, incivility, and heterosexist harassment each partially mediated the relationship between sexual minority status and anxiety. Similar relationships were found for experiencing incivility and heterosexist harassment and depression. Witnessing hostility and heterosexist harassment partially mediated anxiety among sexual minority students.

Keywords:

• sexual orientation
• discrimination
• campus climate
• minority stress
• depression
• anxiety