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Shenkman G, Itzhak SB. Estimated likelihood of parenthood among sexual minority individuals associates with interpersonal vulnerability and traumatic outlook. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:636-652. [PMID: 36703131 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2171563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian women and gay men (LG) tend to report lower levels of parenthood aspiration than their heterosexual counterparts. While several variables have been suggested to explain this phenomenon, no study has investigated the potential mediating role of interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook in the association between sexual orientation and the estimated likelihood of parenthood. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook mediate the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. METHODS A sample of 435 childfree, cisgender Israeli participants, aged 18-49 years (M = 27.82, SD = 4.47), were recruited through convenience sampling. 192 participants self-reported as LG (64 lesbian women and 128 gay men). Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their estimated likelihood of parenthood, interpersonal vulnerability, and subjective traumatic outlook. Mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro. RESULTS LG individuals reported a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood than their heterosexual counterparts. Interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook significantly mediated the association between sexual orientation and a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvement in the socio-political climate relating to sexual minority rights and access to fertility technologies, LG individuals are still more likely to report a lower estimated likelihood of parenthood in comparison to heterosexual individuals. Moreover, this gap appears to be partially mediated by interpersonal vulnerability and subjective traumatic outlook. The results contribute to the growing body of international research exploring family formation among sexual minority individuals and are relevant for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Shay Ben Itzhak
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel
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2
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Godfrey LM, Fechter ZM, Whitton SW. Differences in Minority Stress Experiences, Mental Health, and Relationship Quality Outcomes Among Bisexual, Pansexual, and Queer Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1255-1263. [PMID: 38151571 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The majority of sexual minority women in the United States today identify as bi+. Recent research suggests that "non-traditional" bi+ labels such as pansexual and queer are being adopted more frequently than ever before, making it increasingly important to evaluate whether these women have unique needs. In the current study, we explored differences in minority stress experiences, mental health, and relationship quality outcomes by sexual identity label among women who identify with the most common bi+ labels: bisexual, pansexual, and queer. Participants were 285 bi+ cisgender women in romantic relationships. They completed online measures of minority stress (antibisexual experiences, identity concealment, disconnection from the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community, and internalized stigma), mental health (depression and anxiety), and relationship quality (satisfaction and commitment). Overall, participants reported similar experiences of minority stress and few differences in their mental health outcomes. However, there were differences in antibisexual experiences by sexual identity label, such that pansexual women reported more frequent antibisexual experiences than bisexual and queer women. There were also differences in relationship quality by sexual identity label, such that bisexual women reported higher satisfaction than pansexual women and higher commitment than both pansexual and queer women. Findings suggest that pansexual and queer women may be facing their own unique challenges, even compared to bisexual women. Clinical prevention and intervention efforts can be tailored for these women to include strategies to cope with more frequent exposure to antibisexual experiences, as well as relationship education and skill-building to promote healthy romantic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Godfrey
- The Family Institute at Northwestern University, 618 Library Place, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
| | | | - Sarah W Whitton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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3
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Darrow WW. The City Clinic Cohort Study: Hepatitis B, HTLV-III/LAV, and CDC AIDS Project 24. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:377-392. [PMID: 38236319 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04187-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Anticipating the availability of a safe vaccine, scientists at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) planned for a multicenter study of the prevalence, incidence, and efficacy of an experimental vaccine for hepatitis B in 1977, conducted the study among homosexual male volunteers in five collaborating sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in the United States from April 1978 through 1980, and concluded that the candidate vaccine was highly efficacious in preventing infections with the hepatitis B virus. Then something completely unexpected and portentous happened. Some successfully vaccinated as well as other homosexual and bisexual men began to show signs and symptoms of a rare cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, and opportunistic infections typically associated with severe immunodeficiency. As early as October 1983, members of the Hepatitis B study cohort in San Francisco were invited to return to the city STI clinic for further examinations, testing, and confidential interviews about their sexual and other practices. CDC AIDS Project 24 was designed to help describe the natural history of AIDS, define risk factors, and predict future trends. It produced some of the earliest and most convincing scientific evidence about the seriousness and extent of the AIDS epidemic among homosexual and bisexual men in the United States. How the City Clinic Cohort Study came about and evolved is the focus of this commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Darrow
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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4
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Bishop MD, Mallory AB, Russell ST. Sexual Minority Identity Development: Latent Profiles of Developmental Milestones in a National Probability Sample. PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER DIVERSITY 2023; 10:622-637. [PMID: 38162689 PMCID: PMC10756425 DOI: 10.1037/sgd0000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sexual identity development milestones mark the ages at which sexual minority people first experience key developmental events including same-sex attraction, self-realization of a sexual minority identity, same-sex sexual behavior and romantic relationships, and sexual identity disclosure. Most studies of milestones use variable-centered, rather than person-centered approaches, potentially obscuring diversity in patterns across milestones. Using data from The Generations Study, the first national probability sample of White, Black, and Latinx sexual minority adults in the United States (n = 1,492), we examined variability in milestone timing and patterning using a latent profile analysis approach. We identified four distinct profiles, characterized by variability in milestone mean ages, pacing, and sequences: an early adolescence profile (22.9%), a middle adolescence profile (33.6%), a late adolescence profile (27.6%), and an adulthood profile (15.9%). Profiles were demographically distinct, varying by birth cohort, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, gender identity, and childhood gender nonconformity. Results suggest developmental and demographic diversity in the emergence of sexual identity development across the life course, with implications for sexual minority health and thriving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg D. Bishop
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | - Stephen T. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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5
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Whitton SW, Sarno EL, Josza K, Garcia CP, Newcomb ME. Recruiting and retaining sexual and gender minority couples in intervention research: Lessons learned from trials of tailored relationship education programs. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:932-946. [PMID: 37038919 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Relationship interventions, including healthy relationship education, couple therapy, and dyadic approaches to treating mental and physical health issues, hold promise for promoting relationship and individual health among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Because SGM couples live within a context of societal stigma against their minority identities and relationships, they are likely to be best served by targeted, culturally sensitive relationship interventions that are affirming, free of hetero- and cis-normativity, and address the unique stigma-based challenges that they face. Therefore, a key goal for the field today is to conduct research evaluating and refining newly developed relationship interventions designed specifically for SGM couples. In this paper, we offer recommendations for effectively recruiting and retaining large, diverse samples of SGM couples for clinical trials of tailored relationship interventions, grounded in guidelines for psychological practice and conducting research with SGM populations. Throughout, we offer examples and lessons learned from our experiences conducting clinical trials of tailored SGM relationship education programs. We encourage the use of recruitment and retention strategies that involve members of the target SGM community from the outset, are informed by knowledge about SGM individuals and relationships, use currently preferred language for individual identities and relationships, attend to issues of confidentiality regarding sexual/gender identity or relationship involvement, and adhere to the norms of the particular community and recruitment venue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elissa L Sarno
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kyle Josza
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher P Garcia
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Hollinsaid NL, Pachankis JE, Mair P, Hatzenbuehler ML. Incorporating macro-social contexts into emotion research: Longitudinal associations between structural stigma and emotion processes among gay and bisexual men. Emotion 2023; 23:1796-1801. [PMID: 36595384 PMCID: PMC10314958 DOI: 10.1037/emo0001198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Research into correlates and predictors of emotion regulation has focused almost exclusively on individual differences and the immediate situation. Here, we consider whether features of macro-social contexts may also shape emotion regulation. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a longitudinal study of 502 gay and bisexual men living in 269 U.S. counties that varied in the level of stigma surrounding sexual minorities. We find that gay and bisexual men living in higher- (vs. lower-) stigma counties consistently reported more suppression, which consequently explained longitudinal increases (vs. decreases) in their lack of emotional clarity over 24 months. Results were robust to demographic characteristics, stigma at the interpersonal level (i.e., sexual orientation-related discrimination), and another form of social inequality (i.e., county-level income inequality). These findings suggest that broadening the lens of emotion regulation research to include characteristics of the macro-social environment may yield new insights into determinants of emotion regulation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John E. Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health
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7
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Bränström R, Pachankis JE, Jin J, Klein DN, Hatzenbuehler ML. Self-schemas and information processing biases as mechanisms underlying sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms: Results from a longitudinal, population-based study. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2023; 132:681-693. [PMID: 37326561 PMCID: PMC10524885 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority individuals experience higher prevalence of major depression and more frequent depressive symptoms compared to heterosexual individuals. Although existing theories have suggested cognitive mechanisms that may explain these disparities, empirical tests are limited by a reliance on cross-sectional designs, self-reported measures, and nonprobability samples. We analyzed data from a longitudinal, population-based study of young adults (N = 1,065; n = 497 sexual minority) who completed validated measures of depressive symptoms over a 3-year period; at Wave 2, participants completed the self-referent encoding task, a behavioral task assessing self-schemas and information processing biases. Self-schemas were measured with the drift rate, which was estimated via the composite of endorsement of positive or negative words as self-referential (or not) and the reaction time for these decisions. Information processing biases were operationalized as the total number of negative words that were both endorsed as self-referential and recalled after the task, divided by the total number of words endorsed and recalled. Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minorities displayed significantly higher negative self-schemas and recalled a significantly higher proportion of negative words endorsed as self-referential, relative to total number of words. In turn, these differences in self-schemas and information processing biases mediated the sexual orientation disparity in depressive symptoms. Moreover, among sexual minorities, perceived discrimination predicted greater negative self-schemas and information processing biases, which mediated the prospective association between discrimination and depressive symptoms. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date for cognitive risk factors that underlie sexual orientation disparities in depression, highlighting potential intervention targets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bränström
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet
| | - John E Pachankis
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health
| | - Jingwen Jin
- Department of Psychology, University of Hong Kong
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Scheer JR, Cascalheira CJ, Helminen EC, Shaw TJ, Schwarz AA, Jaipuriar V, Brisbin CD, Batchelder AW, Sullivan TP, Jackson SD. "I Know Myself Again, Which Makes Me Motivated for Life": Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Experience Sampling Methods With Trauma-Exposed Sexual Minority Women. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8692-8720. [PMID: 36789733 PMCID: PMC10238639 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231153888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Intensive longitudinal designs (e.g., experience sampling methods [ESMs]) hold promise for examining the dynamic interplay between daily adversity, coping strategies, and behavioral and mental health issues among marginalized populations. However, few studies have used intensive longitudinal designs with sexual minority women (SMW), an understudied and at-risk population. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of using once-daily, interval-contingent ESM with 161 trauma-exposed SMW (Mage = 29.1, SD = 7.57); 20.5% nonbinary; 32.3% queer; 52.2% people of color; 14.3% with annual incomes ≤$9,999; and 30.4% in Southern United States (U.S.). SMW completed one comprehensive online baseline assessment and once-daily brief online assessments for 14 days. Daily surveys assessed past-24-hour stressors, stress responses, and behavioral and mental health symptoms. At the end of the 14-day ESM period, SMW answered three open-ended questions about participating in this study and about research with SMW. Regarding feasibility, 151 participants (94.0%) initiated the post-baseline ESM study portion and 72 (45.0%) completed all 14 daily surveys. An average of 11.70 (median = 13, SD = 3.31) daily surveys (83.5%) were completed by those who initiated the ESM. ESM completion level varied by race/ethnicity and U.S. region. Qualitative acceptability data revealed several themes, namely that SMW (1) enjoyed participating and felt positively about the ESM experience, (2) felt supported to reflect on impacts of early and ongoing stressors, (3) appreciated the chance to self-reflect and challenge existing thought patterns and coping behaviors, (4) recognized their capacity to tolerate trauma-related distress, (5) recommended that researchers focus on SMW's diverse stressors and daily experiences, (6) wanted a rationale for providing sensitive information and more space to narrate their experiences, and (7) recognized the need for affirmative treatment and policies. Findings could inform modifications to ESM protocols to improve their feasibility and acceptability among trauma-exposed SMW and promote ongoing utility of this valuable method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cory J Cascalheira
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, NY, USA
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM,USA
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, NY, USA
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Shaw
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Cal D Brisbin
- Luskin School of Public Affairs, The University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Medicine Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tami P Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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9
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Keith RJ, Holm RH, Amraotkar AR, Bezold MM, Brick JM, Bushau-Sprinkle AM, Hamorsky KT, Kitterman KT, Palmer KE, Smith T, Yeager R, Bhatnagar A. Stratified Simple Random Sampling Versus Volunteer Community-Wide Sampling for Estimates of COVID-19 Prevalence. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:768-777. [PMID: 37200600 PMCID: PMC10262242 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate community-wide prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using stratified simple random sampling. Methods. We obtained data for the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Jefferson County, Kentucky, from adult random (n = 7296) and volunteer (n = 7919) sampling over 8 waves from June 2020 through August 2021. We compared results with administratively reported rates of COVID-19. Results. Randomized and volunteer samples produced equivalent prevalence estimates (P < .001), which exceeded the administratively reported rates of prevalence. Differences between them decreased as time passed, likely because of seroprevalence temporal detection limitations. Conclusions. Structured targeted sampling for seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2, randomized or voluntary, provided better estimates of prevalence than administrative estimates based on incident disease. A low response rate to stratified simple random sampling may produce quantified disease prevalence estimates similar to a volunteer sample. Public Health Implications. Randomized targeted and invited sampling approaches provided better estimates of disease prevalence than administratively reported data. Cost and time permitting, targeted sampling is a superior modality for estimating community-wide prevalence of infectious disease, especially among Black individuals and those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(7):768-777. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307303).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Keith
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Rochelle H Holm
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Alok R Amraotkar
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Megan M Bezold
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - J Michael Brick
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Adrienne M Bushau-Sprinkle
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Krystal T Hamorsky
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Kathleen T Kitterman
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Ted Smith
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Ray Yeager
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- Rachel J. Keith, Rochelle H. Holm, Alok R. Amraotkar, Ted Smith, Ray Yeager, and Aruni Bhatnagar are with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Megan M. Bezold, Adrienne M. Bushau-Sprinkle, Krystal T. Hamorsky, Kathleen T. Kitterman, and Kenneth E. Palmer are with the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville. J. Michael Brick is with Westat Inc, Rockville, MD
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Shenkman G. The Mediating Role of Insecure Attachment in the Gap in Parenthood Desire between Lesbian and Gay Individuals and Their Heterosexual Counterparts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4084. [PMID: 36901095 PMCID: PMC10002326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that lesbian and gay (LG) individuals, in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts, tend to report lower levels of parenthood desire. While numerous variables have been suggested to explain this gap in parenthood aspirations, no study has investigated the mediating role of avoidant attachment in the association between sexual orientation and parenthood desire. For that purpose, a sample of 790 cisgender Israelis aged 18-49 years (M = 28.27, SD = 4.76) was recruited using convenience sampling. Among the participants, 345 self-reported as predominantly or exclusively lesbian or gay and 445 self-reported as exclusively heterosexual. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, parenthood desire, and avoidant and anxious attachment styles. Mediation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro, and the results revealed that LG individuals reported lower parenthood desire, higher avoidant attachment, and higher anxious attachment compared to heterosexual individuals. Moreover, avoidant attachment had a significant mediation effect in the association between sexual orientation and parenthood desire. The findings suggest that LG individuals are more likely to report higher avoidant attachment due to possible rejection and discrimination from family members and peers, and this may be associated with lower parenthood desire. The results contribute to the growing body of research on family formation and parenthood aspirations among LG individuals, and specifically studies aimed at delineating the factors that contribute to the gap in parenthood aspirations between sexual minority individuals and their heterosexual counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya 4610101, Israel
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11
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Shenkman G, Bos HMW, D’Amore S, Carone N. Mental Health Disparities Between Lesbian Mothers and Heterosexual Parents: the Mediating Role of Positivity. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023; 20:1-11. [PMID: 36788935 PMCID: PMC9911955 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00800-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Previous evidence has shown better mental health outcomes for lesbian mothers, in comparison with heterosexual parents. The present study explored the mediating role of positivity (i.e., the tendency to view life with a positive outlook) in determining these mental health differences. Methods Seventy-two Israeli lesbian mothers by donor insemination (from 36 families) were compared with 72 Israeli heterosexual parents by assisted reproduction (without donated gametes; from 36 families) on positivity, life satisfaction, and depressive symptomatology. All parents were cisgender and had at least one child born through assisted reproduction, aged 3-10 years. Data were collected between December 2019 and February 2021. Results Mediational analyses indicated that lesbian mothers reported greater positivity, which was, in turn, associated with greater life satisfaction and less depressive symptomatology. Conclusions The results pinpoint the possible protective and strengthening role of positivity for lesbian mothers in the pronatalist and familistic environment of Israel. The research contributes to the literature on the mental health of parents with diverse sexual orientations living outside of the USA and Europe. Policy Implications Policymakers and mental health professional should be knowledgeable about the importance of improving positivity as a strategy for reducing depressive symptomatology and promoting life satisfaction among lesbian mothers. Moreover, policy makers and legislators are called to ease the access of sexual minority individuals to parenthood, as in this population parenthood associates with heightened mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), HaUniversita St, 4610101 Herzliya, Israel
| | - Henny M. W. Bos
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Salvatore D’Amore
- Research Centre of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Shenkman G, Carone N, Mouton B, d’Amore S, Bos HMW. Assisted Conception Socialization Self-Efficacy Among Israeli Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parent Families and its Association with Child Externalizing Problems. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:180-196. [PMID: 35308412 PMCID: PMC8919160 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This questionnaire-based study compared 36 Israeli lesbian mother families (n = 72 lesbian mothers) formed by donor insemination, 39 Israeli gay father families (n = 78 gay fathers) formed by gestational surrogacy, and 36 Israeli heterosexual parent families (n = 72 heterosexual parents) formed by assisted reproduction (without donated gametes), all with a target child aged 3-10 years. The families were examined for parents' assisted conception socialization self-efficacy, depression, negative and positive affect, life satisfaction, positivity, resilience, social support, and child externalizing problems. Multiple factors associated with child externalizing problems were also examined. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that parents' assisted conception socialization self-efficacy did not differ between family groups; however, lesbian mothers and gay fathers reported fewer child externalizing problems and greater social support, relative to heterosexual parents. Also, lesbian mothers-but not gay fathers-reported lower levels of depression, greater life satisfaction, and more positivity than did heterosexual parents. Finally, irrespective of family type, greater assisted conception socialization self-efficacy was associated with fewer parent-reported child externalizing problems. Findings are interpreted in light of the cultural socialization framework and Israel's familistic and pronatalist environment. Implications for health professionals, educators, and policymakers working with diverse family forms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Shenkman
- School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bénédicte Mouton
- Research Centre of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Salvatore d’Amore
- Research Centre of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Henny M. W. Bos
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Lee YG, Zhakupova G, Vinogradov V, Paine EA, Laughney CI, Reeder K, Davis A, Hunt T, Mergenova G, Primbetova S, Terlikbayeva A, Wu E. Polydrug Use, Sexual Risk, and HIV Testing Among Cisgender Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men and Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals Who Have Sex With Men in Kazakhstan. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:413-426. [PMID: 36181500 PMCID: PMC10662254 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.5.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study examined substance use and sexual risk correlates of HIV testing among cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men (MSM) and transgender and nonbinary individuals (TSM) who have sex with men in Kazakhstan. We analyzed baseline data from an HIV prevention trial collected prior to intervention deployment (N = 304). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that lifetime HIV testing was positively associated with poly-drug use (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI [2.0, 9.9]) and negatively with sexual risk (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2, 1.0]). Similarly, recent HIV testing was positively associated with polydrug use (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI [1.4, 5.2]) and negatively with sexual risk (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.3, 0.9]). Current HIV testing was negatively associated with sexual risk (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI [0.3. 0.9]). Findings support the value of integrating drug treatment with HIV testing among MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Gun Lee
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gulnara Zhakupova
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Vitaliy Vinogradov
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Emily Allen Paine
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University and the New York Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Kelsey Reeder
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alissa Davis
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy Hunt
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gaukhar Mergenova
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Sholpan Primbetova
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Assel Terlikbayeva
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Elwin Wu
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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14
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Dorri AA, Russell ST. Future parenting aspirations and minority stress in U.S. sexual minority adults. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:1173-1182. [PMID: 35666912 PMCID: PMC9760407 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Parenthood is an aspiration shared by a majority of U.S. adults. However, previous research has found that sexual minority adults (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual [LGB]) are less likely than heterosexual counterparts to be parents or desire to become parents in the future. To date, few studies have examined how minority stress (i.e., everyday discrimination [ED], felt stigma [FS], and internalized homophobia [IH]) influences parenting desire, parenting likelihood, and expectation a gap between the two. Even fewer studies have examined the parenting aspirations of sexual minority individuals following nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. We analyzed data from 487 childfree lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer participants from two cohorts ("equality cohort": ages 18-25; "visibility" cohort: ages 34-41) from the Generations study, a national probability sample of sexual minority adults in the United States. As expected, we found that the visibility cohort adults had significantly lower parenting desire and parenting likelihood, and a greater parenting expectation gap than the equality cohort adults. Additionally, while everyday discrimination (ED) did not predict parenting aspirations, IH and FS predicted higher parenting desire and lower parenting likelihood, respectively. We found a cohort by FS interaction such that FS predicted even lower parenting likelihood in the visibility cohort adults. Our findings contribute to a growing body of research on sexual minority parenthood and may inform community practice and clinical support for sexual minority adults who pursue parenthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin A. Dorri
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Stephen T. Russell
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin
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15
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Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Drabble LA, Li L, Munroe C, Mericle AA, Trocki KF, Hughes TL. Comparing substance use outcomes by sexual identity among women: Differences using propensity score methods. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109567. [PMID: 35901534 PMCID: PMC9869911 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by sexual identity vary across samples of women recruited using different sampling methods. We used propensity score (PS) weighting methods to address two methodological questions: (1) Do disparities between sexual minority women (SMW) and heterosexual women persist when differences in risk and protective factors are similarly distributed between groups, and (2) Does accounting for SMW-specific resiliency factors impact differences between non-probability samples of SMW? METHODS Four samples included SMW from a longitudinal study with a nonprobability sample (n = 373), a national general population panel sample (n = 373), and a national LGBTQ-specific panel sample (n = 311), as well as a national probability sample of heterosexual women (n = 446). Between-groups analyses using double-robust PS weighted models estimated differences in ATOD use under hypothetical conditions in which samples have similar risk and protective factors. RESULTS After PS weighting, imbalance in confounders between SMW and heterosexual samples was substantially reduced, but not eliminated. In double-robust PS weighted models, SMW samples consistently had significantly greater odds of drug use than heterosexuals, with odds from 8.8 to 5.6 times greater for frequent marijuana use and 4.8-3.2 greater for other drug use. Few differences between SMW samples in ATOD outcomes or other variables remained after PS weighting. CONCLUSION Relative to heterosexual women, disparities in marijuana and other drug use among SMW are evident regardless of sampling strategy. The results provide some reassurance about the validity of large nonprobability samples, which remain an important recruitment strategy in research with SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie A. Drabble
- San José State University, College of Health and Human Sciences, One Washington Square, San José, USA,Corresponding author. (L.A. Drabble)
| | - Libo Li
- Alcohol Research Group, 6001 Shellmound St, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
| | - Cat Munroe
- Alcohol Research Group, 6001 Shellmound St, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
| | - Amy A. Mericle
- Alcohol Research Group, 6001 Shellmound St, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Karen F. Trocki
- Alcohol Research Group, 6001 Shellmound St, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Tonda L. Hughes
- School of Nursing & Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, Mail Box Code 6, New York, NY 10032, USA
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16
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Veldhuis CB, Juster RP, Corbeil T, Wall M, Poteat T, Hughes TL. Testing whether the combination of victimization and minority stressors exacerbate PTSD risks in a diverse community sample of sexual minority women. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022; 14:252-278. [PMID: 38549608 PMCID: PMC10978045 DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2106147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Informed by minority stress and intersectionality frameworks, we examined: 1) associations of sexual identity and race/ethnicity with probable diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD-PD) among sexual minority women (SMW; e.g., lesbian, bisexual); and 2) potential additive and interactive associations of minority stressors (discrimination, stigma consciousness, and internalized homonegativity) and potentially traumatic childhood and adulthood events (PTEs) with PTSD-PD. Data come from a large and diverse community sample of SMW (N = 662; age range: 18-82; M = 40.0, SD = 14.0). The sample included 35.8% Black, 23.4% Latinx, and 37.2% White participants. Logistic regressions tested associations of sexual identity and race/ethnicity, minority stressors, and PTEs with PTSD-PD. More than one-third of SMW (37.2%) had PTSD-PD with significantly higher prevalence among bisexual, particularly White bisexual women, than lesbian women. Discrimination, stigma consciousness, and internalized homonegativity were each associated with higher odds of PTSD-PD, but only internalized homonegativity was additively associated with PTSD-PD in mutually adjusted models above and beyond effects of PTEs. No evidence for interactive effects between PTEs and minority stressors was found. In a diverse community sample of sexual minority women, PTSD is strongly associated with potentially traumatic childhood events and with minority stressors above and beyond the associations with other potentially traumatic events and stressors in adulthood. Our findings suggest a strong need for therapists to address the effects of stigma and homophobia in treatment for PTSD, as these minority stressors likely maintain and exacerbate the effects of past traumas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Corbeil
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | - Melanie Wall
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
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17
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Campbell CK, Hammack PL, Gordon AR, Lightfoot MA. "I Was Always Trying to Figure It Out… on My Own Terms": Structural Barriers, the Internet, and Sexual Identity Development among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer People of Different Generations. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2022:1-23. [PMID: 35605228 PMCID: PMC9681935 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recognizing the historical grounding of sexual identity development, we examined the spontaneous narration of the internet's significance among a diverse sample of three distinct birth cohorts of sexual minority adults (n = 36, ages 18-59) in the United States. Thematic analysis revealed two structural barriers and four roles of the internet in sexual identity development. Structural barriers were being in a heterosexual marriage (exclusive to members of the older cohort), and (2) growing up in a conservative family, religion, or community (which cut across cohorts). Roles of the internet included: learning about LGBQ+ identities and sex; watching pornography (which appeared only in narratives of the younger cohort); finding affirming community; and facilitating initial LGBQ+ romantic and sexual experiences (which appeared mostly in narratives of the younger cohort). Most participants who described the internet as playing a role in sexual identity development were members of the younger (ages 18-25) and middle (ages 34-41) cohorts. We discuss how the internet has assumed a unique role in history in the development of sexual minority people. Further, our findings highlight that sexual identity development occurs across the lifespan, and how that process and the roles of the internet vary by generation and structural realities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick K. Campbell
- Division of Prevention Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Phillip L. Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Allegra R. Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Marguerita A. Lightfoot
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
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18
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Sommantico M, Parrello S. Internalized stigma, adult attachment, relationship satisfaction, and depression in Italian gay and bisexual men: The mediating role of emotion regulation. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2021.1913463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Sommantico
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Santa Parrello
- Dynamic Psychology Laboratory, Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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19
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Middleton D, Drabble LA, Krug D, Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Mericle AA, Hughes TL, Iachan R, Trocki KF. Challenges of virtual RDS for recruitment of sexual minority women for a behavioral health study. JOURNAL OF SURVEY STATISTICS AND METHODOLOGY 2022; 10:466-488. [PMID: 38737967 PMCID: PMC11086662 DOI: 10.1093/jssam/smab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is an approach commonly used to recruit nonprobability samples of rare and hard-to-find populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of phone and web-based RDS methodology to sample sexual minority women (SMW) for participation in a telephone survey. Key features included 1) utilizing a national probability survey sample to select seeds; 2) web-based recruitment with emailed coupons; and 3) virtual processes for orienting, screening and scheduling potential participants for computer-assisted telephone interviews. Rather than resulting in a large diverse sample of SMW, only a small group of randomly selected women completed the survey and agreed to recruit their peers, and very few women recruited even one participant. Only seeds from the most recent of two waves of the probability study generated new SMW recruits. Three RDS attempts to recruit SMW over several years and findings from brief qualitative interviews revealed four key challenges to successful phone and web-based RDS with this population. First, population-based sampling precludes sampling based on participant characteristics that are often used in RDS. Second, methods that distance prospective participants from the research team may impede development of relationships, investment in the study, and motivation to participate. Third, recruitment for telephone surveys may be impeded by multiple burdens on seeds and recruits (e.g., survey length, understanding the study and RDS process). Finally, many seeds from a population-based sample may be needed, which is not generally feasible when working with a limited pool of potential seeds. This method may yield short recruitment chains, which would not meet key RDS assumptions for approximation of a probability sample. In conclusion, potential challenges to using RDS in studies with SMW, particularly those using virtual approaches, should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie A Drabble
- Associate Dean for Research and Faculty, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
- Affiliate Scientist, Alcohol Research Group, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy A Mericle
- Scientist, Alcohol Research Group, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- Professor and Associate Dean of Global Health, School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronaldo Iachan
- Methodologist/Statistician, Senior Director, ICF International
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20
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de Lange J, Baams L, van Bergen DD, Bos HMW, Bosker RJ. Minority Stress and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among LGBT Adolescents and Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis. LGBT Health 2022; 9:222-237. [PMID: 35319281 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This meta-analytic study examined associations between minority stressors and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among LGBT adolescents and young adults (aged 12-25 years). Methods: Identified studies were screened using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies had to include an association between a minority stressor and a suicidality outcome and were categorized into 10 meta-analyses. Overall effect sizes were calculated using three-level meta-analyses. In addition, moderation by sampling strategy was examined. Results: A total of 44 studies were included. Overall, LGBT bias-based victimization, general victimization, bullying, and negative family treatment were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts. Associations of discrimination and internalized homophobia and transphobia with suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts were not significant. No moderation effects were found for sampling strategy. Conclusion: Although overall effect sizes were small, our meta-analytic study shows a clear link between various types of minority stressors and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among LGBT adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer de Lange
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Baams
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana D van Bergen
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henny M W Bos
- Department of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel J Bosker
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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21
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Hammack PL, Hughes SD, Atwood JM, Cohen EM, Clark RC. Gender and Sexual Identity in Adolescence: A Mixed-Methods Study of Labeling in Diverse Community Settings. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584211000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Understandings of sexual and gender identity have expanded beyond traditional binaries, yet we know little about adolescents’ appropriation of identity labels across diverse communities. In a mixed-methods study of adolescents recruited from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) spaces in communities differing in support of sexual and gender diversity, seven patterns emerged: (a) frequent use of nonbinary gender identity labels (23.9% of survey sample), especially in high-support communities; (b) greater comfort among adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB) with diverse gender expression, which informants attributed to pressures to conform to compulsive masculinity for boys; (c) frequent use of plurisexual (60.8%) and asexual (9.9%) labels, especially among those AFAB, and discussion of online settings as a resource; (d) intersectional patterning of “queer” to describe sexual identity (12.4% of survey sample), with White youth in high-support communities signifying an intellectual/political stance and non-White youth in low-support communities using queer as an umbrella term; (e) resistance to labeling and ambivalence about labels due to intra-community dynamics; (f) labeling challenges among boys of color; and (g) challenges with stigma, sexualization, and violence for transgender and nonbinary youth. Findings highlight how contemporary adolescents engage with and challenge received conceptions of gender and sexuality and how this process is shaped by intersectional identities.
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