Romantic relationship involvement as a minority stress buffer in gay/lesbian versus bisexual individuals

ABSTRACT

This study examined romantic relationship involvement as a moderator of the associations between discrimination/victimization and depression/anxiety in gay/lesbian versus bisexual individuals. Data from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions were used. Analyses were conducted separately for gay/lesbian versus bisexual individuals (N = 577 lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals). For gay/lesbian individuals, the only significant association was a positive association between discrimination and anxiety. For bisexual individuals, there were significant positive associations between discrimination and depression/anxiety for those who were single, but not those who were partnered. There was also a significant association between victimization and anxiety, but this association was not moderated by relationship involvement. Findings provide partial support for relationship involvement as protective for bisexual individuals. Promoting the benefits of relationships may contribute to reducing sexual orientation-related health disparities.

KEYWORDS:

• Anxiety
• depression
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• romantic relationships
• sexual minority

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts to disclose.