Adult Attachment, Perceived Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, and Depression in Gay Males: Examining the Mediation and Moderation Effects

This study examined perceived discrimination as both a mediator and moderator between adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and levels of depression in a gay male sample. Survey data were collected from 234 self-identified gay males through the Internet and in person through community resources a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of counseling psychology 2006-07, Vol.53 (3), p.302-313
Main Authors: Zakalik, Robyn A, Wei, Meifen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Adults
Anxiety
Attachment
Attachment Behavior
Attachment disorders
Attitude Measures
Avoidance
Biological and medical sciences
Correlation
Depression
Depression (Psychology)
Discrimination
Gays & lesbians
Homosexuality
Homosexuals
Human
Major Depression
Male
Male Homosexuality
Males
Mediation
Medical sciences
Mental depression
Moderation
Mood disorders
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Sex discrimination
Sexual orientation discrimination
Social Bias
Social Discrimination
Structural Equation Models
Studies
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Summary:This study examined perceived discrimination as both a mediator and moderator between adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and levels of depression in a gay male sample. Survey data were collected from 234 self-identified gay males through the Internet and in person through community resources across several states. Results from structural equation modeling analyses indicated that perceived discrimination partially mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety (but not attachment avoidance) and depression. Moderation of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) by perceived discrimination on levels of depression was not supported. Additionally, about 23% of the variance in perceived discrimination was explained by attachment, and 47% of the variance in depression was accounted for by attachment and perceived discrimination. Clinical implications, limitations, and areas for future research are also discussed.
ISSN:0022-0167
1939-2168
DOI:10.1037/0022-0167.53.3.302