Predictors of anxiety among sexual minority individuals in the Southern US.

• DOI: 10.1037/ort0000363
• Publication Date: 2018-09-10T15:18:04Z
• Authors: James A. Griffin; Christopher F. Dr...; Elizabeth D. Eldr...; Alexis L. Rossi; Megan M. Loew; Lara M. Stepleman
• Keywords: Minority Stress; Sexual identity; PsycINFO; Social Connectedness

Sexual minority individuals experience a disproportionate burden of mental health issues, particularly in less populous cities the southern United States. Unique identity-related stressors may explain these disparities. The current study examines relationships between sexual stress, identity, and anxiety from small metropolitan area South. (N = 249) Central Savannah River Area completed survey assessing stress (i.e., identity-based discrimination, internalized homophobia), identity outness comfort, community connectedness) history as part larger lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, queer needs assessment. All variables were significantly, positively associated with an whereas connectedness was negatively at bivariate level. A multiple logistic regression model revealed that assault significantly increased odds history, decreased history. These results demonstrate influence discriminatory experiences on South protective value connectedness. Providers advocates should work individual, community, systemic levels to eliminate bisexual discrimination facilitate involvement, thereby reducing (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).