Stress and Mental Health Among Midlife and Older Gay-Identified Men

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300384
• Publication Date: 2012-01-19T20:44:11Z
• Authors: Richard G. Wight; Allen J. LeBlanc; Brian de Vries; Roger Detels
• Keywords: Marital status; Minority Stress; Affect

Objectives. We investigated associations between stress and mental health (positive affect, depressive symptoms) among HIV-negative HIV-positive midlife older gay-identified men, along with the mediating moderating effects of mastery emotional support. also studied same-sex marriage. Methods. obtained data from self-administered questionnaires completed in 2009 or 2010 by a subsample (n = 202; average age 56.91 years; range 44–75 years) participants University California, Los Angeles component Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, one largest longest-running natural-history studies HIV/AIDS United States. Results. Both sexual minority (perceived gay-related stigma, excessive HIV bereavements) aging-related (independence fiscal concerns) appeared to have been detrimental health. Sense partially mediated these associations. Being legally married was significantly protective net all covariates, including having domestic partner but not being married. Education, status, race/ethnicity had no significant effects. Conclusions. Sexual affected lives men. Personal sense may help sustain them as they age. observed specific benefits legal