Enacted individual-level stigma, anticipated relationship stigma, and negative affect among unpartnered sexual minority individuals

Abstract

Purpose: To examine associations of enacted individual-level stigma and anticipated relationship stigma with negative affect among single sexual minority individuals. We hypothesized that enacted individual-level stigma and anticipated relationship stigma would be positively associated with negative affect. We also explored possible mediation models of how these variables might relate. Methods: A nationwide online survey was completed by 154 single sexual minority individuals 18+ years old, measuring enacted individual-level stigma, anticipated relationship stigma, and negative affect. Results: There were significant, positive bivariate associations of enacted individual-level stigma with anticipated relationship stigma and negative affect. In path model analyses, there was support for enacted individual-level stigma mediating an indirect pathway between anticipated relationship stigma and negative affect, as well as support for enacted individual-level stigma simultaneously predicting anticipated relationship stigma and negative affect. Conclusions: Findings expand the body of theoretical work examining multidimensional aspects and mechanisms of stigma. Results suggest that while anticipated relationship stigma is not directly associated with negative affect among single sexual minority individuals, it may still be relevant for well-being among these individuals through its association with enacted individual-level stigma. Clinicians and public health officials may consider addressing multiple forms of stigma, including both individual-level and relationship-based stigma.

Keywords:

• Enacted individual-level stigma
• mental health
• negative affect
• relationship stigma
• sexual minority

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of the ProofPilot team, including Mathew Amsden, Lochlan McHale, and David Sperber. They would also like to acknowledge the study’s media partner, the Huffington Post, especially Noah Michelson. Special thanks also to Julia Bassiri, Jennifer Kierce, Lucio Forte, and Storey Day.

Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose

Additional information

Funding

Data collection was funded through a scholarly research award from Pace University. Data analysis was supported in part by a National Institute on Drug Abuse grant (R34 DA036419; PI Starks).