The impact of minority stress and gender identity on PTSD outcomes in sexual minority survivors of interpersonal trauma

Bibliographic Data

ID12978321
AuthorsDavid T Solomon (0000-0002-5818-3052, Western Carolina University, corresponding author), Elizabeth M Combs (0000-0002-2254-6958, University of South Carolina), Kaylie Allen, Sara E Roles (Western Carolina University), Sara Roles, Sabrina DiCarlo (0000-0003-0263-8959, Mississippi State University), Oak Reed (University of Montana), Samantha J Klaver (0000-0003-3826-8099, Western Carolina University)
Year2019
Volume12
Issue1-2
Pages64-78
Publication date2019-11-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology and Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1941-9902 • E-ISSN: 1941-9899
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19419899.2019.1690033
OpenAlexW2986338965
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited44

The minority stress model posits that the differences in prevalence rates of mental health problems in sexual minority individuals compared to heterosexual individuals are caused by stigma and other minority-status specific stressors. While this model has been applied to a number of mental health concerns and specific populations (e.g. gender minority individuals), little research has examined the degree to which this model applies to the development of PTSD symptoms following experiences of interpersonal traumas (IPTs) such as sexual and relationship abuse. Thus, this study examined the degree to which components of the minority stress model (internalised stigma and outness), as well as gender minority status, predicted PTSD symptoms in participants who had experienced sexual trauma and relationship trauma, respectively, while controlling for social reactions to the trauma. Sexual minority individuals in this sample who also identified as a gender minority were at a greater risk of PTSD symptoms regardless of the type of IPT they experienced. Internalised stigma (specifically homonegativity) only predicted PTSD symptoms for survivors of sexual trauma, and outness was not predictive for either group. Implications for future research and clinical work are discussed

Interpersonal communication · Mental health · Minority stress · Psychiatry · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Stigma (botany · Stressor · Clinical Psychology · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies · Social Psychology