Examining Sexual Health Differences between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Adults: The Role of Sociodemographics, Sexual Behavior Characteristics, and Minority Stress

Abstract

Many studies focus on the differences in mental health between lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), and heterosexual individuals. Less attention has been paid to the differences in various aspects of sexual health and the potential explanations for these differences. Data from a Dutch population study on sexual health (aged 19–70 years; N = 4,333) were used to examine the potential differences in sexual satisfaction, sexual victimization, sexual dysfunction, and sexual health care need. At the same time, this study examined whether the differences could be attributed to differences in general factors influencing sexual health (sociodemographic variables and sexual behavior characteristics) or to LGB-specific factors (minority stress). The results showed that bisexual women and bi- and homosexual men had more often experienced sexual coercion and reported a higher need for sexual health care than their heterosexual counterparts. Both general determinants (e.g., a higher number of sexual partners or being single) and LGB-specific factors (e.g., internalized homonegativity or negative social reactions related to sexual orientation) were associated with different aspects of sexual health. Interventions aimed at improving the sexual health of LGB individuals should focus on general risk factors, as well as on LGB-specific stressors. Methodological limitations of the study and implications for further research are discussed.

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Sports. (Grant number 70-70710-95-011).

Notes

Note. Groups with identical subscripts differed significantly at the p = .05 level.

^a Homosexual (n = 111), bisexual (n = 127), and heterosexual (n = 1,965).

^b Homosexual (n = 84), bisexual (n = 74), and heterosexual (n = 1,928).

*p < .01. **p < .001.

Note. Men, N = 2,086; women, N = 2,203. None of the intercorrelations between the independent variables exceeded r = −.22.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. N = 238. None of the intercorrelations among the independent variables exceeded r = .42.

^a The change from Model 1 to Model 2 is nonsignificant.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Note. N = 158. None of the intercorrelations among the independent variables exceeded r = .28.

^a The change from Model 1 to Model 2 is nonsignificant.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.