Does it get better? Change in depressive symptoms from late-adolescence to early-adulthood, disordered eating behaviors, and sexual identity

Citation

Tabler, Jennifer; Geist, Claudia; Schmitz, Rachel M.; & Nagata, Jason M. (2019). Does it get better? Change in depressive symptoms from late-adolescence to early-adulthood, disordered eating behaviors, and sexual identity. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. vol. 23 (2) pp. 221-243

Abstract

AbstractSexual minority youth are often described as at-risk for mental health comorbidities, including disordered eating behavior (DEB) and depression. This study assesses differences in late-adolescent DEB and depressive symptoms among gay/lesbian, bisexual, or mostly heterosexual individuals, and how their symptoms change across early adulthood. While sexual minority youth were more likely to report DEB and elevated depressive symptoms in late adolescence relative to exclusively heterosexual peers, gay/lesbian individuals experienced improvement in early-adulthood depressive symptoms. Conversely, bisexual individuals maintained elevated depressive symptoms into early adulthood, and additional depressive symptoms associated with DEB. DEB may be a unique risk factor shaping the mental health of bisexual youth.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2019.1568944

Keyword(s)

bisexual

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health

Author(s)

Tabler, Jennifer
Geist, Claudia
Schmitz, Rachel M.
Nagata, Jason M.

Year Published

2019

Volume Number

23

Issue Number

2

Pages

221-243

ISSN/ISBN

1935-9705

DOI

10.1080/19359705.2019.1568944

Reference ID

6701