ABSTRACT
Predictors of mental health distress were examined in 316 older gay men in a cross-sectional analysis using resilience and minority stress theories. Stigma, discrimination, internalized homophobia, health locus of control, social supports, income, and age cohort were included in a stepwise regression that explained 46% of variance. Discrimination, resilience, income and being partnered emerged as significant main effects while interaction effects between internalized homophobia and age cohort and resiliency and being partnered/married were found. The importance of examining within group variability, resilience, and moderating factors, such as resilience and cohort effects, when examining mental distress among LGBT individuals are discussed.
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Funding
This research was funded in part by the National Association of Social Workers Jane B. Aron Dissertation Fellowship in 2009, and grants received in 2009 from Ohio State AGGRS Graduate Research Grant, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Dissertation grant.
Conflict of interest
Dr. King and Dr. Richardson report no financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.