Experiences of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stress among sexual and gender minority emerging adult migrants in the United States

There is a dearth of research that examines COVID‐19‐related stress among multiply marginalised individuals who are in the developmental phase of emerging adulthood. This qualitative study investigated how the intersection of emerging adulthood, sexual and gender minority (SGM) identity, and migrant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Stress and health 2023-04, Vol.39 (2), p.414-428
Main Authors: Alessi, Edward J., Cheung, Shannon P., Sarna, Vincent, Dentato, Michael P., Eaton, Andrew, Craig, Shelley L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adults
COVID-19
emerging adults
Gender
Humans
migration
Pandemics
Qualitative research
Sexual and Gender Minorities
sexual and gender minority
Sexual Behavior - psychology
Social interactions
strength and resilience
stress
Transients and Migrants
United States
Well being
Young Adult
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Summary:There is a dearth of research that examines COVID‐19‐related stress among multiply marginalised individuals who are in the developmental phase of emerging adulthood. This qualitative study investigated how the intersection of emerging adulthood, sexual and gender minority (SGM) identity, and migrant status were reflected in the experiences of SGM individuals (n = 37; ages 20–25 years old) who migrated to various parts of the United States in the last 5 years. Data were collected online using semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that participants' developmental processes (e.g., identity exploration, building financial independence) were shaped by pandemic‐related stressors, especially unemployment and financial instability. Participants who were able to maintain employment did so but at the risk of their health and safety. Findings also showed that participants experienced feelings of anxiety and depression due to social isolation, but online communication played an important role in combatting loneliness. Findings highlight the potential for trauma‐informed and intersectional approaches to practice with SGM emerging adult migrants and expanded health services and temporary entitlement programs to mitigate the pandemic's effects on this population's psychosocial and financial well‐being.
ISSN:1532-3005
1532-2998
DOI:10.1002/smi.3198