Stressors for Gay Men and Lesbians: Life Stress, Gay-Related Stress, Stigma Consciousness, and Depressive Symptoms

TLDR

Gay‑related stress arises from stressors unique to sexual orientation. The study examined how gay‑related stress and life events predict depressive symptoms. The authors assessed depressive symptoms in 204 gay/lesbian/bisexual adults, measuring gay‑related stress, life events, internalized homophobia, stigma consciousness, and openness about orientation. Gay‑related stress and stigma consciousness independently predicted depressive symptoms, accounting for variance beyond life stress.

Abstract

Gay-related stress occurs when gay men and lesbians must deal with stressors that are unique to their sexual orientation. This research examined the relationship of gay-related stress and life events to depressive symptoms. Other potential predictors of depressive symptoms were also considered (internalized homophobia, stigma consciousness, and openness about sexual orientation). A sample of 204 (110 men, and 91 women, three sex-unspecified) gay/lesbian/bisexual individuals completed a packet of self-report measures. The importance of the construct of gay-related stress was demonstrated by explaining independent variance in depressive symptoms compared to variance explained by life stress. Those who reported more severe life stress and more severe gay-related stress also reported more depressive symptoms. Also, gay-related stress and stigma consciousness were independent predictors of depressive symptoms. Those with more severe gay-related stress and more stigma consciousness reported more depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that the constuct of gay-related stress is important to understanding the experiences of gay/lesbian/bisexual individuals.