WEEK 3: Lecture 3a+b - Goldbach & Gibbs - Cramwinkel et al. - Mereish et al.

Question 1

L3a: Question: Define Bisexuality / Bi+ as a sexual orientation.

Answer 1

Answer: Bisexuality / Bi+ refers to romantic and/or sexual attraction to people of more than one gender, not limited to just men and women.

Question 2

L3a: Question: What are the components of sexual orientation that researchers measure?

Answer 2

Answer: Sexual orientation includes sexual attraction, romantic attraction, sexual behavior, and self-identification.

Question 3

L3a: Question: According to research, how does sexual orientation measurement affect outcomes related to mental health?

Answer 3

Answer: Different measurement methods yield varying research results, impacting outcomes related to mental health and well-being.

Question 4

L3a: Question: What disparities in mental health are observed among sexual minority youth?

Answer 4

Answer: Sexual minority youth often experience poorer mental health outcomes such as higher rates of depressive symptoms, psychosomatic complaints, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

Question 5

L3a: Question: What is the Minority Stress Model, and who developed it?

Answer 5

Answer: The Minority Stress Model, developed by Meyer and others, explains how sexual minority individuals’ mental health is impacted by stressors like discrimination, victimization, and internalized societal attitudes.

Question 6

L3a: Question: How does bullying victimization affect the mental health of bisexual adolescents compared to homosexual and heterosexual peers?

Answer 6

Answer: Bullying victimization contributes to poorer mental health outcomes for bisexual adolescents, who face specific minority stressors including double discrimination and bi-invisibility.

Question 7

L3b: Question: What is intersectionality, as defined in sexuality research?

Answer 7

Answer: Intersectionality refers to the interconnectedness of race/ethnicity, class, nationality, sexual orientation, abilities, and gender, which collectively influence individuals’ experiences and identities.

Question 8

L3b: Question: What are some misconceptions about intersectionality, and how are they addressed?

Answer 8

Answer: Intersectionality is often misconceived as solely explaining oppression, whereas it also acknowledges privilege. It is not merely a theoretical framework but an analytical one guiding research methodologies and insights. (oppression = oppression refers to the systematic mistreatment, discrimination, or disadvantage faced by individuals or groups due to their social identities)

Question 9

L3b: Question: How is intersectionality implemented in research methodologies?

Answer 9

Answer: Intersectionality is implemented by theorizing about social privilege levels, identifying inequalities across intersecting identities, and adapting research methods to ensure inclusivity and sensitivity to diverse experiences.

Question 10

L3b: Question: Provide an example of intersectional research in sexuality studies.

Answer 10

Answer: Intersectional research may focus on mental health disparities among marginalized groups, such as queer youth of color, exploring factors like trauma and systemic oppression (e.g., racism, queerphobia).

Question 11

L3b: Question: What are the practical implications of intersectional research in sexuality studies?

Answer 11

Answer: Intersectional research enhances understanding of underrepresented groups, informs policies and interventions, influences identity politics, and fosters awareness about privilege dynamics.

Question 12

L3b: Question: What are the primary challenges encountered in intersectional research on sexuality?

Answer 12

Answer: Challenges include reconciling inclusion with potential exclusion, recognizing contextual variations in privilege, addressing researcher positionality, avoiding overburdening marginalized groups, and navigating preferences for simplified research approaches.

Question 13

G&G: What disparities in behavioral health do sexual minority adolescents experience compared to heterosexual peers, according to Goldbach & Gibbs (2016)?

Answer 13

Sexual minority adolescents are 3 to 4 times more likely to have internalizing disorders and 2 to 5 times more likely to have externalizing disorders than their heterosexual peers. They also report higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, and are twice as likely to attempt suicide.

Question 14

G&G: According to minority stress theory, how are general environmental stressors and minority stressors interconnected?

Answer 14

Minority stress theory posits that general environmental stressors (e.g., job loss) and minority stressors (e.g., discrimination based on sexual orientation) overlap and interact, influencing mental health outcomes. These stressors are not isolated events but rather interdependent, affecting individuals simultaneously.

Question 15

G&G: What are proximal minority stressors experienced by sexual minorities during adolescence?

Answer 15

Proximal minority stressors for sexual minority adolescents include expectations of rejection, concealment of sexual orientation, and internalized homophobia. These stressors are chronic and contribute uniquely to mental health issues during adolescence.

Question 16

G&G: How do coping mechanisms and social support affect the impact of stressors on behavioral health outcomes among sexual minority adolescents?

Answer 16

Coping mechanisms and social supports such as group solidarity and affirming communities can mitigate the impact of stressors on behavioral health. However, ineffective coping strategies or lack of social support may exacerbate mental health challenges despite efforts to cope individually.

Question 17

G&G: What developmental factors related to sexual identity make adolescence a unique period for understanding minority stress?

Answer 17

Adolescence is crucial for understanding minority stress because it involves the development of sexual identity amidst changing societal attitudes. Factors like disclosure-related stress and victimization in school differ from adult experiences, influencing coping strategies and mental health outcomes differently.

Question 18

G&G: How does the minority stress and coping model propose to integrate social contexts?

Answer 18

The minority stress and coping model integrates various social contexts (family, school, peers, LGBTQ communities) to understand how interactions within these environments can either exacerbate stressors (e.g., discrimination) or provide coping resources (e.g., support, acceptance) for sexual minority adolescents.

Question 19

G&G: What are the key themes identified by Goldbach & Gibbs (2016) regarding sexual minority adolescents’ experiences of minority stress?

Answer 19

The study found three main points: experiencing stress from being a minority and recognizing ways to cope, the importance of social context in stress and coping, and including sexual and gender identity development in understanding minority stress.

Question 20

G&G: What are some limitations acknowledged by Goldbach & Gibbs (2016) regarding their study on sexual minority adolescents?

Answer 20

Limitations include recruitment focusing on diversity which led to small subsamples, potentially limiting generalizability. Additionally, the study included participants identifying as genderqueer or transgender, requiring careful interpretation for gender-nonconforming youth.

Question 21

Cramwinckel: Question: Define Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Prejudice (SOGIP) as discussed in the article.

Answer 21

Answer: SOGIP refers to negative attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs towards individuals or groups based on their perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender role, or gender expression.

Question 22

Cramwinckel: Question: What are the determinants of SOGIP discussed in the article?

Answer 22

Answer: Determinants include discomfort with gender nonconformity, demographic characteristics (such as gender, age, education, income, marital status, and religiosity), and political conservatism resisting change.

Question 23

Cramwinckel: Question: Explain the difference between blatant and subtle prejudice against LGBTQ individuals according to the article.

Answer 23

Answer: Blatant prejudice involves explicit hostility and aggression towards sexual and gender minorities, while subtle prejudice manifests through implicit negative associations, mild discomfort, and nonverbal behaviors like avoidance.

Question 24

Cramwinckel: Question: How do ambivalent attitudes contribute to subtle SOGIP according to the article?

Answer 24

Answer: Ambivalent attitudes involve simultaneous positive and negative beliefs towards LGBTQ individuals. Despite positive beliefs, ambivalent individuals are less likely to support LGBTQ individuals in challenging situations, such as bullying.

Question 25

Cramwinckel: Question: What are the potential consequences of subtle SOGIP compared to blatant prejudice, as highlighted in the article?

Answer 25

Answer: Subtle prejudice is less likely to lead to rejection of the prejudiced person and can even increase prejudice over time. Bystanders often fail to recognize and intervene against subtle prejudice, which can perpetuate harm to LGBTQ individuals.

Question 26

Cramwinckel: Question: Discuss the effectiveness of contact interventions in reducing SOGIP based on the findings of the article.

Answer 26

Answer: Contact interventions, where people interact with LGBTQ individuals, have shown promise in reducing prejudice by providing firsthand positive experiences. However, the effectiveness depends on factors such as the quality of interaction and the presence of empathy.

Question 27

Cramwinckel: Question: According to the article, what role do alliances (e.g., Gay Straight Alliances) play in reducing SOGIP?

Answer 27

Answer: Alliances facilitate support between majority (heterosexual, cis-gendered) and minority (LGBTQ) groups, promoting understanding and reducing prejudice in a sustained manner. They benefit both minority members and allies.

Question 28

Cramwinckel: Question: What are the recommendations for improving interventions aimed at reducing SOGIP, as suggested by the article?

Answer 28

Answer: Recommendations include assessing both blatant and subtle forms of SOGIP, focusing on behavior change in addition to attitude change, considering the perspectives of both majority and minority members, and combining empathy-evoking techniques in intervention designs.

Question 29

Mereish: Question: What is the primary focus of the study conducted by Mereish et al. (2022)?

Answer 29

Answer: The study examines the impact of subtle and intersectional minority stressors on depressive symptoms among sexual and gender minority adolescents (SGMA) of color.

Question 30

Mereish: Question: According to the study, what is the role of self-concept in mediating the relationship between minority stress and depressive symptoms?

Answer 30

Answer: Self-esteem and sense of mastery mediate the association between minority stress and depressive symptoms among SGMA of color.
So: Self-esteem and feeling in control help explain how stress from being a minority leads to depression in sexual and gender minorities of color.

Question 31

Mereish: Question: How do subtle forms of minority stress, such as microaggressions, contribute to depressive symptoms in SGMA of color according to the study?

Answer 31

Answer: Subtle forms of minority stress like microaggressions are directly associated with elevated depressive symptoms, independent of overt forms like discriminatory acts.

Question 32

Mereish: Question: What methodology did the researchers use to explore the associations in the study?

Answer 32

Answer: The study surveyed 3,398 SGMA of color aged 13 to 17, using the LGBTQ National Teen Survey, and employed linear regression and mediation analyses.

Question 33

Mereish: Question: What were the key findings related to self-concept factors in the study?

Answer 33

Answer: SGMA of color experiencing intersectional minority stress reported lower self-esteem and sense of mastery, contributing to poorer psychosocial adjustment and higher depressive symptoms.

Question 34

Mereish: Question: How did the study suggest addressing mental health disparities among SGMA of color?

Answer 34

Answer: Structural interventions such as anti-heterosexism, anti-transphobia, and anti-racism policies, along with SGMA-specific affirming organizations, are crucial in reducing mental health disparities.

Question 35

Mereish: Question: What did the study conclude about the importance of applying an intersectional lens in research and intervention efforts?

Answer 35

Answer: The study underscores the significance of an intersectional approach to understand and mitigate mental health disparities among SGMA of color, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Question 36

Mereish: Question: What are the future research directions recommended by the study?

Answer 36

Answer: Future research should explore within-group heterogeneity, geographical differences in minority stress experiences, and develop adolescent-specific measures to better assess microaggressions among SGMA of color.