Experiential Avoidance and Emotion Dysregulation as Mediators in the LGBTQ Minority Stress Model

Gender and sexual minorities are at increased risk for psychological disorders compared to the general population. The minority stress model has been proposed to explain these elevated rates of psychological distress. Per this model, minority stress factors (e.g., prejudice, discrimination, rejectio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of sexual behavior 2022-10, Vol.51 (7), p.3443-3456
Main Authors: Mann, Allie M., Naugle, Amy E., Lieberman, Eva
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Avoidance behavior
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Emotions
Gays & lesbians
Gender
Mental health
Minority & ethnic groups
Original Paper
Psychology
Public Health
Sexual Behavior
Social Sciences
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Summary:Gender and sexual minorities are at increased risk for psychological disorders compared to the general population. The minority stress model has been proposed to explain these elevated rates of psychological distress. Per this model, minority stress factors (e.g., prejudice, discrimination, rejection, internalized homophobia/ transphobia) combine to create a unique stress which negatively impacts the mental health of gender and sexual minority individuals. With support for the general minority stress model established, attention has turned to investigating possible mediators in this model. In other words, how does minority stress cause psychological distress and negative mental health outcomes? The aim of the present study was to investigate experiential avoidance and emotion dysregulation as potential mediators in the relationship between minority stress factors and psychological distress. Final parallel mediation models supported that experiential avoidance and emotion dysregulation were significant mediators in the relationship between minority stress variables and psychological distress. These final models support that minority stress experiences, experiential avoidance, and emotion dysregulation are all factors that contribute to psychological distress in gender and sexual minority individuals. The implications of these findings are discussed.
ISSN:0004-0002
1573-2800
DOI:10.1007/s10508-022-02376-7