Victimization Over the Life Span: A Comparison of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Siblings.

Lifetime victimization was examined in a primarily European American sample that comprised 557 lesbian/gay, 163 bisexual, and 525 heterosexual adults. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) participants were recruited via LGB e-mail lists, periodicals, and organizations; these participants recruited 1 or more siblings for participation in the study (81% heterosexual, 19% LGB). In hierarchical linear modeling analyses, sexual orientation was a significant predictor of most of the victimization variables. Compared with heterosexual participants, LGB participants reported more childhood psychological and physical abuse by parents or caretakers, more childhood sexual abuse, more partner psychological and physical victimization in adulthood, and more sexual assault experiences in adulthood. Sexual orientation differences in sexual victimization were greater among men than among women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Minority stress and mental health among Dutch LGBs: Examination of differences between sex and sexual orientation.

Minority stress is often cited as an explanation for greater mental health problems among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals than heterosexual individuals. However, studies focusing on sex or sexual orientation differences in level of minority stress and its impact on mental health are scarce, even more so outside the United States. Performing secondary analyses on the data of a Dutch population study on sexual health, the present study examines the robustness of the minority stress model by explaining mental health problems among men and women with mostly or only same-sex sexual attraction, and men and women who are equally attracted to same-sex and opposite-sex partners in the “gay-friendly” Netherlands (N = 389; 118 gay men, 40 bisexual men, 184 lesbian women, and 54 bisexual women). Results showed that minority stress is also related to mental health of Dutch LGBs. Participants with a higher level of internalized homonegativity and those who more often encountered negative reactions from other people on their same-sex sexual attraction reported more mental health problems. Such negative reactions from others, however, had a stronger link with mental health among lesbian/gay than among bisexual participants. Openness about one's sexual orientation was related to better mental health among sexual minority women, but not among their male counterparts. Suggestions for future research, implications for counseling, and other societal interventions are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mental health and substance use disorders among Latino and Asian American lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.

Growing evidence suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults may be at elevated risk for mental health and substance use disorders, possibly due to anti-gay stigma. Little of this work has examined putative excess morbidity among ethnic/racial minorities resulting from the experience of multiple sources of discrimination. The authors report findings from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS), a national household probability psychiatric survey of 4,488 Latino and Asian American adults. Approximately 4.8% of persons interviewed identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or reported recent same-gender sexual experiences. Although few sexual orientation-related differences were observed, among men, gay/bisexual men were more likely than heterosexual men to report a recent suicide attempt. Among women, lesbian/bisexual women were more likely than heterosexual women to evidence positive 1-year and lifetime histories of depressive disorders. These findings suggest a small elevation in psychiatric morbidity risk among Latino and Asian American individuals with a minority sexual orientation. However, the level of morbidity among sexual orientation minorities in the NLAAS appears similar to or lower than that observed in population-based studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Childhood abuse and mental health indicators among ethnically diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.

Objective: Prior research has established that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people experience higher rates of childhood abuse than heterosexuals. However, there has been little research on the mental health impact of these experiences or how race/ethnicity might influence prevalence and mental health impact of childhood abuse in this population. The study's objective was to examine the relationships between race/ethnicity, childhood abuse, and mental health indicators in a national sample of LGB adults. Method: Participants were recruited via the Internet through snowball and targeted sampling methods. Six hundred and sixty-nine LGB adults, 21% of whom were people of color, participated in an online survey. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist–Civilian Version, and the Perceived Stress Scale–Short Form. Results: Latina/o and Asian American participants reported the highest levels of physical abuse (p     

Prevalence of mental disorders, psychological distress, and mental services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States.

Recent estimates of mental health morbidity among adults reporting same-gender sexual partners suggest that lesbians, gay men, and bisexual individuals may experience excess risk for some mental disorders as compared with heterosexual individuals. However, sexual orientation has not been measured directly. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 2,917 midlife adults, the authors examined possible sexual orientation-related differences in morbidity, distress, and mental health services use. Results indicate that gay-bisexual men evidenced higher prevalence of depression, panic attacks, and psychological distress than heterosexual men. Lesbian-bisexual women showed greater prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder than heterosexual women. Services use was more frequent among those of minority sexual orientation. Findings support the existence of sexual orientation differences in patterns of morbidity and treatment use. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists' attitudes toward gay and lesbian parenting.

How does the average practicing psychologist view a gay or lesbian couple wishing to adopt a child? Psychologists (N?=?388) from across the United States read and rated 1 of 6 vignettes describing a couple interested in adopting a 5-year-old child. The vignettes were identical except that the couples' sexual orientation was depicted as gay male, lesbian, or heterosexual and the child was either a girl or boy. Results indicated that participants who rated the gay male and lesbian couples with a female child were less likely to recommend custody for these couples than participants who rated the heterosexual couples. Before psychologists provide mental health services to gay and lesbian people and their children, they should complete formal, systematic training on sexual diversity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, and pregnancy among American Indian adolescents

PURPOSE: A recent study found a disproportionate number of pregnancies among Euro-American lesbian and bisexual adolescents compared to heterosexual peers. American Indian adolescents have reported higher prevalence of gay/lesbian/bisexual orientations than Euro-Americans; do they also report higher prevalence of pregnancy? METHODS: The study assessed prevalence of teen pregnancy and related factors by sexual orientation among sexually experienced, reservation-based American Indian adolescent males (n = 2056) and females (n = 1693) who participated in a national school-based survey in 1991. Self-reported orientation was classified as heterosexual, gay/lesbian/bisexual, and "unsure" of orientation. RESULTS: Gay/bisexual males were more likely than other males to report early heterosexual intercourse (<14 years), more consistent contraception, and a higher prevalence of abuse and running away (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001). Likewise, lesbian/bisexual females were more likely to report early onset of heterosexual intercourse, more frequent intercourse, and running away. Sexual or physical abuse did not vary by orientation for females. Prevalence of pregnancy also did not vary by orientation (males, 18.6% gay/bisexual vs. 10.4% "unsure" vs. 11.8% heterosexual; females, 25.0% lesbian/bisexual vs. 22.1% "unsure" vs. 21.9% heterosexual). For lesbian/bisexual females, no variables were significantly associated with pregnancy history; for "unsure" females, pregnancy was associated with contraceptive frequency and early onset of heterosexual activity. For heterosexual females, age, intercourse frequency, and physical abuse were associated. For gay/bisexual males, intercourse frequency, ineffective contraception, and physical abuse were associated with involvement in a pregnancy; for "unsure" and heterosexual males, most items except ineffective contraception were related to pregnancy involvement history. CONCLUSIONS: Although prevalence of pregnancy is similar, findings show group differences in associated risk factors by sexual orientation. Interventions to reduce pregnancy among American Indian adolescents should include assessment of sexual orientation and behavioral risk factors.     

Affirming Faith Experiences and Psychological Health for Caucasian Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals.

Religious faith plays a central role in the lives of many people. Although studies and anecdotal literature have explored the conflict between sexual and religious identities, no research has investigated the role of faith group affirmation of a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity on the mental health of LGB members. This study compared 2 models of the relations between psychological health and current faith affirmation experiences, internalized homonegativity, and spirituality. Participants were 583 LGB individuals who identified themselves as currently affiliated with a faith group. Results indicated that the fully mediated model was a good fit and offered a more parsimonious explanation than the partially mediated model. Affirming faith experiences were related to psychological health through internalized homonegativity and spirituality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The African-American Health Project (AAHP): study overview and select findings on high risk behaviors and psychiatric disorders in African American men

The AAHP investigated the neurobehavioral and psychosocial sequelae of HIV-1 and substance use in urban African American men. A community resident sample of 502 African American men stratified by HIV-1 serostatus, drug use and sexual orientation were recruited. A comprehensive battery of measures of neurobehavioral and health status, lifestyle and psychosocial characteristics were administered to all participants, and a stratified sub-sample of 120 participants were tested using state of the art brain imaging techniques to investigate differences in the functional and neurophysiologic effects of HIV-1 and substance use. An overview of the methodology of the AAHP and results on high risk sexual and substance use behaviors, and psychiatric disorders are presented and discussed. The sample was primarily HIV-negative (63%), heterosexual (49% gay or bisexual) and a high percentage used substances during the past year (56% used drugs and 30% moderate/heavy drinkers). High-risk sexual practices were relatively prevalent, and a high percentage reported a history of STDs and other infections. Finally, 25% had a current psychiatric disorder, with gays/bisexuals and HIV-seropositives evidencing greater psychiatric vulnerability. More research is needed to further explore the apparent greater risk for psychiatric disorders among gay and bisexual men, and to determine whether being African American and lower social class exacerbate this risk.     

Measuring attitudes regarding bisexuality in lesbian, gay male, and heterosexual populations.

Five studies on the development and validation of the Attitudes Regarding Bisexuality Scale (ARBS) were conducted. Factor analysis of an initial pool of 80 items yielded 2 factors assessing the degree to which bisexuality is viewed as a tolerable, moral sexual orientation (Tolerance) and a legitimate, stable sexual orientation (Stability). Three forms of the ARBS were created: a form to assess attitudes about female and male bisexuality (i.e., ARBS-FM) and forms to assess attitudes about female bisexuality (i.e, ARBS-F) and male bisexuality (ARBS-M). These forms evidenced moderate-to-high internal consistency reliability in both lesbian and gay samples and heterosexual samples. In heterosexual women and men, subscale were most strongly related to attitudes toward lesbians and gay men; frequency of religious attendance; political ideology; and prior contact with lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. In lesbians and gay men, subscales correlated with prior experiences with bisexual people, desired contact with bisexual people, contact with homosexual people, and sexual orientation identity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual orientation of adult sons of gay fathers.

The sexual development of children of gay and lesbian parents is interesting for both scientific and social reasons. The present study is the largest to date to focus on the sexual orientation of adult sons of gay men. From advertisements in gay publications, 55 gay or bisexual men were recruited who reported on 82 sons at least 17 yrs of age. More than 90% of sons whose sexual orientations could be rated were heterosexual. Furthermore, gay and heterosexual sons did not differ on potentially relevant variables such as the length of time they had lived with their fathers. Results suggest that any environmental influence of gay fathers on their sons' sexual orientation is not large. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A survey of clinical psychologists on treating lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.

Should the average psychologist receive specific training on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) concerns? On the basis of a random sample of practicing psychologists, LGB clients are present in most caseloads. Respondents rated the most important therapeutic issues with LGB clients and identified training that would improve their work with LGB clients (including the topics of coming out, estrangement from family, support system development, and internalized homophobia). In addition, participants reported on the types of training that they are getting (most frequently reading articles, supervision, and continuing education). The implications for training programs and private practitioners are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Incidence and mental health impact of sexual orientation victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in high school.

This study examined victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (lgb) youths aged 21 and younger. Experiences of direct victimization as well as knowledge of other lgb youths' victimization were assessed. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths who were more open in high school about their sexual orientation and who had a history of more gender atypical behavior were victimized more often. Male youths were targeted significantly more often than females, Youths' current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with having experienced more verbal abuse in high school. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Legal and social contexts and mental health among lesbian and heterosexual mothers.

This study examines the role of legal and social context (the level of legal and social support offered by one's country of residence) and sexual orientation in the mental health of lesbian and heterosexual mothers. Participants were sampled from the United States and Canada because the two countries have many similarities (North American location, reliance on English language, and democratic structures) but provide different legal and social rights to their lesbian citizens. The study included 52 lesbian mothers and 153 heterosexual mothers in the United States and 35 lesbian mothers and 42 heterosexual mothers in Canada. Although there were no differences between heterosexual mothers as a function of legal and social context, lesbian mothers from the United States reported more family worries about legal status and discrimination (but not more general family worries) and more depressive symptoms than did lesbian mothers in Canada. Results indicate that legal and social context moderates the role of sexual orientation in maternal mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Within-group differences in sexual orientation and identity.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine within-group differences among self-identified sexual orientation and identity groups. To understand these within-group differences, 2 types of analysis were conducted. First, a sample of 2,732 participants completed the Sexual Orientation and Identity Scale. Cluster analyses were used to identify 3 types of bisexual women, 3 types of bisexual men, 2 types of heterosexual women, and 2 types of gay men. Lesbians and heterosexual men were clustered into singular groupings. In addition, a subsample of 838 participants also completed measures of sexual identity development and lesbian, gay, and bisexual knowledge and attitudes. Within-group differences were found for bisexual men and women, gay men, and heterosexual women along these dimensions. Findings supported the existence of distinct subgroups of bisexual men, bisexual women, gay men, and heterosexual women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gay and bisexual male clients' perceptions of counseling: The role of perceived sexual orientation similarity and counselor universal-diverse orientation.

A recurring question in multicultural counseling is whether client–counselor similarity on sociodemographic characteristics benefits counseling. A related issue is how counselor orientation to diversity relates to counseling process and outcome, both as a main effect and in interaction with counselor–client sociodemographic match. This cross-sectional study investigated these questions in relation to gay and bisexual male clients' counseling experiences by examining clients' perceived similarity to their counselor in sexual orientation, as well as counselors' self-reported orientation to diversity (assessed in terms of level of universal-diverse orientation [UDO]). Data were from 83 male–male client–counselor dyads recruited from lesbian/gay/bisexual-affirming counseling practices, where clients identified as gay or bisexual and counselors identified as gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. Counselor UDO was positively and uniquely associated with client ratings of the working alliance, session depth, and session smoothness. Perceived sexual orientation similarity was not directly related to any of the counseling-related criterion variables. Moreover, when counselors reported low levels of UDO, perceived similarity was negatively associated with the client-rated alliance and perceived improvement. Client religious commitment—a control variable in all analyses—was uniquely and negatively associated with client ratings of perceived improvement in counseling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Parenting intentions and desires among childless lesbian, gay, and heterosexual individuals.

Parenthood is one of the most universal and highly valued experiences of American adults. However, lesbian and gay adults in the United States are much less likely than heterosexual adults to be parents. Our goal was to explore the reasons why this is the case. Using nationally representative data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), we studied parenting intentions, desires, and attitudes of childless lesbian, gay, and heterosexual individuals 15 to 44 years of age. We found that gay men and lesbian women were less likely than matched heterosexual peers to express desire for parenthood. Moreover, gay men who expressed desire to become parents were less likely than heterosexual men to express the intention to become parents; this was not true for women. Despite being less likely to express parenting desires, gay and lesbian participants endorsed the value of parenthood just as strongly as did heterosexual participants. By exploring the psychology of family formation as a function of sexual orientation, these results inform ongoing debates about sexual orientation and parenthood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adaptation to sexual orientation stigma: A comparison of bisexual and lesbian/gay adults.

This study extends research on dimensions of sexual minority experience by examining differences between bisexual and lesbian/gay adults in adaptation to sexual orientation stigma. The authors investigated sexual orientation self-disclosure, connection to community, and 4 identity-related variables (internalized homonegativity, stigma sensitivity, identity confusion, and identity superiority) in a community sample of 613 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. Sexual orientation effects were found on 3 of these 6 variables: Bisexual participants reported higher levels of identity confusion and lower levels of both self-disclosure and community connection relative to their lesbian/gay peers. Taken together, the 6 variables predicted indicators of psychosocial functioning. Associations among the 6 dimensions of sexual minority experience and psychosocial functioning did not differ for bisexual and lesbian/gay participants. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceived social support for help-seeking behaviors of Black heterosexual and homosexually active women alcoholics.

Seventy African American women in alcoholism treatment centers completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their perceived emotional and tangible support for entry into treatment for alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Heterosexual women perceived more sources of family, casual, male, and overall support than did lesbian or bisexual women. Quality of perceived emotional support did not differ significantly for heterosexual and lesbian or bisexual women. Findings of differences in sources of perceived support particularly from family of origin as a function of sexual orientation suggest that the same social network may provide different levels and types of support to lesbian and bisexual versus heterosexual Black women alcoholics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Gender and sexual identity-based predictors of lesbian, gay, and bisexual affirmative counseling self-efficacy.

This exploratory study applies the tenets of social cognitive theory to investigate the influence of gender self-confidence and of sexual identity exploration and commitment on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) affirmative counselor self-efficacy. Data were gathered from a convenience sample of 178 mental health clinicians. Controlling for participants' age, professional experience, level of income, race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation, findings revealed that higher levels of LGB-affirmative counseling self-efficacy were positively associated with gender self-definition and with sexual identity commitment. Post hoc analyses conducted with the 5 subscales of the LGB-affirmative counseling self-efficacy measure indicated that findings varied across specific self-efficacy domains. Implications of these results for continuing education, training, and research promoting LGB-affirmative psychotherapy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)