Mechanisms for mental health status differences between sexual minorities and heterosexuals

Citation

Stallworth, Grace (2018). Mechanisms for mental health status differences between sexual minorities and heterosexuals.

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to identify differences in mental health at the intersection of gender and sexual minority status. Specifically, I examine differences in psychological distress and problematic drinking across four groups: sexual minority women, heterosexual women, sexual minority men, and heterosexual men. Using Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), it was found that sexual minority young adults report more problematic drinking than heterosexuals. Within gender, it was determined that women problem drink less than men. For psychological distress, sexual minority young adults report significantly more distress than heterosexual young adults. Across gender, it was also found that women report significantly more psychological distress as well. Analyses were also conducted to determine how social support and stressors mediate the relationship between gender, sexuality, and distress and alcohol abuse.

URL

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/honorsembargoed/27/

Reference Type

Thesis/Dissertation

Author(s)

Stallworth, Grace

Year Published

2018

Publisher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

City of Publication

Lincoln, NE

Reference ID

9371