k 2024

A Network Approach to Minority Stress : Sexual Identity Groups Comparison

STAŠEK, Andrea

Basic information

Original name

A Network Approach to Minority Stress : Sexual Identity Groups Comparison

Authors

Edition

17th Congress of the European Federation of Sexology. Sexuality in health and disease: Sexual health, rights and wellbeing, 2024

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Prezentace na konferencích

Country of publisher

Italy

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Organization unit

Faculty of Social Studies
Změněno: 23/5/2024 14:01, Mgr. Blanka Farkašová

Abstract

V originále

Objective: The Minority Stress Theory assumes a one-directed relationship of stressors causing a higher risk of health issues in LGBTQIA+ people. Moreover, most research tests this effect using correlational analyses (e.g., linear regression) which cannot be interpreted causally. Based on existing findings from the dynamic network approach to health and psychopathology, we suggest a new way of conceptualization: the relationship between stress and its negative effect on health is not only bidirectional but also mutually dependent and self-enhancing. Design and Method: Using a large LGBTQIA+ sample (n = 3,025) and a pre-registered network analysis, we show the interconnectedness of 16 fundamental variables of the minority stress model including proximal stress, social well-being, and psychosomatic health problems. Besides estimating a full-sample network model, we compared six group networks based on sexual identity. Results: The results showed that loneliness is the key bridge between health problems, social support, and proximal stress. Moreover, depression symptoms, friend support, and acceptance concerns were the central variables of the minority stress network. There were several differences in the minority stress structure among gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, and asexual people, especially in the social support cluster and health problems cluster. Conclusions: Our study is the first to suggest and show the non-linear structure of minority stress and by pinpointing the various importance of queer health-related phenomena, we propose recommendations for more personalized and effective health care.

Links

MUNI/A/1571/2023, interní kód MU
Name: Aktuální otázky psychologie zdraví 3
Investor: Masaryk University