A longitudinal analysis of sexual minorities’ acceptance concerns and internalised homonegativity on perceived psychological stress

ABSTRACT

Acceptance concerns and internalised homonegativity are associated with deleterious health outcomes for sexual minority persons, including psychological stress. However, previous studies examining the effects of proximal minority stressors (including acceptance concerns and internalised homonegativity) on stress have been limited by their cross-sectional approach. The present study extends past research by examining the temporal relationship between two minority stress processes – acceptance concerns and internalised homonegativity – and perceived stress. Ninety-four sexual minority participants (M = 25.6 years; SD = 9.1 years) recruited from American university listservs completed online measures assessing minority stress and perceived stress. Then, one year later, participants completed the same measure of perceived stress. Structural equation modelling of latent variables examined effects of minority stress on perceived stress one year later, controlling for perceived stress at the initial time of data collection. Analyses revealed that internalised homonegativity – but not acceptance concerns – predicted perceived stress one year later. Implications at the macrolevel and microlevel are discussed, including important and relevant public policy directions to help ameliorate mental health disparities in sexual minority populations. We also identify strategies for policy and health professionals, such as enacting inclusive policies and recognising and celebrating the strengths of sexual minority individuals.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual minority
• minority stress
• internalised homonegativity
• stress
• LGB

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander K. Tatum

Alexander K. Tatum, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Ball State University’s Department of Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling. His research and clinical interests are in LGBTQ mental health, minority stress, compulsive sexual behaviour, romantic relationship concerns, and substance use/abuse. He received his doctorate from Loyola University Chicago, and his dissertation examined the effects of workplace environments on sexual minority employees’ work satisfaction. As a clinician, Dr. Tatum integrates existential, client-centred, and cognitive-behavioural techniques to address underlying stress associated with relational and/or sexual concerns. His previous clinical work includes psychotherapy and assessment experience at university counselling centres and community mental health clinics in the Twin Cities, Chicago, and Atlanta metropolitan areas.

Michael W. Ross

Michael W. Ross, MD, PhD, MPH, MHPEd, MSt, is faculty in the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality and was appointed the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education in 2014. He holds 11 degrees, including a MedDr, a PhD in cross-cultural health psychology, and degrees in criminology and health education. Ross has studied sexuality and sexual and mental health for more than 30 years in several countries: India, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam. Ross has also published more than 500 publications and books. Additionally, he worked extensively in prison environments and wrote a book about prison physical and mental health. Ross has also practiced as a clinical psychologist and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the British Psychological Society.