Previous research has suggested that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals e... more Previous research has suggested that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals enter treatment for substance abuse with more severe problems than heterosexual individuals. However, methodological difficulties, particularly the difficulty of obtaining a representative sample, have limited the ability to draw conclusions about LGBT individuals who receive services for substance abuse. This study took advantage of a unique opportunity to examine a representative sample of openly LGBT clients receiving publicly funded substance abuse treatment by using data gathered by treatment providers in Washington State. Baseline differences between openly LGBT and heterosexual clients were compared in a variety of domains. Results demonstrated that openly LGBT clients enter treatment with more severe substance abuse problems, greater psychopathology, and greater medical service utilization when compared with heterosexual clients. When the analyses were stratified based on sex, different patterns of substance use and associated psychosocial characteristics emerged for the LGBT clients. Implications for provision of appropriate services and recommendations to treatment agencies are discussed in this article.
Substance abuse research has demonstrated that client sexual orientation influences treatment out... more Substance abuse research has demonstrated that client sexual orientation influences treatment outcomes. Consequently, many substance user treatment programs offer services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. In a recent search of SAMHSA treatment listings, 11.8% (N=911) of substance user treatment programs (including residential, outpatient, and partial hospitalization) in the United States and Puerto Rico indicated that they offer specialized services for LGBT clients. However, a telephone survey we conducted in 2003-2004 revealed that 70.8% of these "LGBT" programs were no different from services offered to the general population, and only 7.4% could identify a service specifically tailored to the needs of LGBT clients. Implications for LGBT individuals seeking services are discussed, the study's limitations are noted, and future research directions are identified.
ABSTRACT Objectives: Although a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use dis... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Although a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use disorders, little emphasis is placed on allowing individuals to choose their own treatment trajectories. Considering the preference of a person for the type of substance abuse treatment; he or she would want to be made to feel important and in allowing the person to feel autonomous, which may impact the overall motivation for substance abuse behavior change. Methods: The investigators assessed 51 country detention facility inmates recently arrested on drug-related or alcohol-related charges, examining the motivational factors and treatment preference when presented with 2 hypothetical treatments. Results: The findings showed that the group was relatively evenly split in terms of the percent choosing each treatment. Furthermore, individuals who reported preferring an abstinence-based philosophy of treatment had higher levels of readiness to change than those choosing a harm reduction philosophy. Conclusions: The results of this study have implications for developing brief interventions that could help facilitate the entry of motivated substance users into 12-step groups.
The intricate, intimate, and definitively idiographic experiences of transgender individuals are ... more The intricate, intimate, and definitively idiographic experiences of transgender individuals are eloquently documented by Matthew Heinz in his book Entering Transmasculinity: The Inevitability of Discourse. From the book’s subtitle, the use of the term “inevitability” to describe discourse regarding transmasculinity is a poignant indicator of the times in which we live, as just a few decades ago, “dearth” may have been a more apt descriptor. The academic literature on transgender issues has recently burgeoned, with a frequent focus on the disproportionate rates of health disparities (e.g., Hughto, Reisner, & Pachankis, 2015; Stotzer, 2009; Tebbe & Moradi, 2012), transition related barriers such as gatekeeping and diagnostic dilemmas (e.g., Belluardo-Crosby & Lillis, 2012; Coleman et al., 2012), and the fight to eliminate anti-transgender prejudice (e.g., Reed, Franks, & Scherr, 2015; Schilt, 2010; Walch et al., 2012). While these are certainly among the discourses detailed in his book, Heinz uniquely chronicles “current transmasculine discourse...where advocacy against systemic gender-based violence encounters tips for transguys’ father’s day presents” (p. 125). Heinz’s thoughtful inclusion and review of YouTube videos, Buzzfeed and Yahoo! discussion boards, blogs, spoken word performances, popular media, news articles, and many other sources of discourse provides an insightful lens into the identity development process, the transition navigation, and the gender socialization of numerous transmasculine individuals. A focus on the diverse experiences of these individuals is long overdue. Heinz also integrates groundbreaking research from empirical studies, such as Bennett’s dissertation on developing a psychoanalytic model of psychological development throughout transition, and Bockting, Knudson, and Goldberg’s (2006) research on mental health practices for transgender individuals and their loved ones, with these non-academic sources to create a profound reference piece for those interested in gaining insight into what it means to identify as a transmasculine individual. Although geared primarily toward an academic audience—researchers of LGBT issues and communication studies, in particular—this book provides a multitude of resources that would be of use for individuals navigating their own gender identity, for parents of transmasculine individuals, for practitioners seeking to enhance their competencies, and for community organizers and activists. Heinz notes that most commonly, transmen are depicted as white, middle-class, heterosexual, able-bodied individuals itching to uncover their bare chests to the world. He challenges this representation by asserting that entering transmasculine discourse means embarking on a journey of multifinality; sharing, in his book, “not just a story of emergence from a set of representations, but stories of emergence
Utilizing sensitive methodology for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals is important acr... more Utilizing sensitive methodology for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals is important across all psychological fields. This tutorial provides tangible recommendations for non-experts, offers a “real-world” example of issues that might arise, informs researchers how to make theoretically/methodologically rigorous decisions when (not if) they arise, and discusses the collective impact of GSM identities on the central research question. It presents exploratory comparisons on acute affective responding between community-recruited adolescent (aged 15–17 years) and emerging adult (aged 18–25 years) cisgender and gender minority (GM) participants exposed to simulated peer rejection. These data provide points of divergence (e.g., GM participants had higher negative affect at the first assessment) and convergence (e.g., all participants reported greater negative affect post-rejection) that have implications for future research.
This project utilized a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to conduct qualita... more This project utilized a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to conduct qualitative interviews with 30 transgender adults living in a rural state. Participants' identities spanned from trans women and men to non-binary and Two-Spirit. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences, needs, and priorities of the participants as well as to examine possible determinants of mental health, well-being, and suicidality for transgender individuals in Montana. These factors were investigated at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels using an ecological framework. Qualitative results indicate that participants experienced discrimination at all levels. Participants noted that discrimination contributed to mental health challenges and limited access to adequate general and transgender-specific healthcare services, both of which impacted overall well-being. This is reflected most notably in the elevated rate of past suicidal ideation attemp...
Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 2017
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which ... more Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which has been linked to higher rates of nicotine and substance use. Research on this disparity to date is largely predicated on methodology that is insensitive to within day SGM-based discrimination experiences, or their relation to momentary nicotine and substance use risk. We address this knowledge gap in the current study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Fifty SGM individuals, between 18 and 45 years of age, were recruited from an inland northwestern university, regardless of their nicotine or substance use history, and invited to participate in an EMA study. Each were prompted to provide data, six times daily (between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 14 days, regarding SGM-based discrimination, other forms of mistreatment, and nicotine, drug, and alcohol use since their last prompt. Discrimination experiences that occurred since individuals' last measurement prompt were asso...
Objective: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority str... more Objective: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which has been linked to higher rates of nicotine and substance use. Research on this disparity to date is largely predicated on methodology that is insensitive to within-day SGM-based discrimination experiences, or their relation to momentary nicotine and substance use risk. We address this knowledge gap in the current study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Method: Fifty SGM individuals, between 18 and 45 years of age, were recruited from an inland northwestern university, regardless of their nicotine or substance use history, and invited to participate in an EMA study. Each were prompted to provide data, 6 times daily (between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 14 days, regarding SGM-based discrimination, other forms of mistreatment, and nicotine, drug, and alcohol use since their last prompt. Results: Discrimination experiences that occurred since individuals’ last measur...
Sexual minority young adults experience elevated rates of distal stress (discrimination, victimiz... more Sexual minority young adults experience elevated rates of distal stress (discrimination, victimization), and related psychological distress and alcohol misuse. However, few studies have examined the degree to which personality trait differences confer risk/resilience among sexual minority young adults. We hypothesized that psychological distress would mediate the relationship between distal stress and alcohol misuse, but that these relationships would be moderated by personality trait differences. Sexual minority young adults (N=412) were recruited nationally. Survey measures included demographic questions, minority stressors, Five Factor personality traits, and current psychological distress and alcohol misuse symptoms. We used a data-driven two-stage cluster analytic technique to empirically derive personality trait profiles, and conducted mediation and moderated mediation analyses using a regression-based approach. Our results supported a two-group personality profile solution. R...
ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Transgender individuals face compounding stressors that increase their vulne... more ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Transgender individuals face compounding stressors that increase their vulnerability to mental illness and suicidality (Bockting, Knudson, & Goldberg, 2006). Whereas these poor mental health outcomes have been associated with events of discrimination and victimization (Rotondi, 2012), less is known regarding the effects of institutionalized stigma. This study explores the relationships between statewide transgender protections, perceived community stigma, and mental health correlates among 120 transgender individuals. METHODS: 32 transwomen, 37 transmen, and 51 gender-variant participants were extracted from a larger study on LGBT mental health. Covarying for age, we performed an ANCOVA to determine the effect of state legal protections on perceived community stigma. Follow up bivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationships between stigma and depression, anxiety, suicidality, victimization, and discrimination. RESULTS: Statewide legal protections had a significant effect on perceived community stigma, F(1, 114) = 7.47, p = .007, such that individuals in states without protections reported greater perceived stigma (M = 3.14 versus 2.63). Further, perceived stigma was positively associated with lifetime suicide attempts, r(107) = .19, p = .048, victimization, r(107) = .30, p < .01, and discrimination, r(107) = 0.44, p< .01 CONCLUSION: Transgender individuals are at the intersection of multiple stigmas; thus, attempts to address these stressors must also be manifold. These data suggest that legal protections are one such channel for indirectly mitigating poor mental health outcomes through the alleviation of stigma at the community level. Implications for public health, administration, and future research will be discussed.
ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the potential effects of statewide nondiscrimination laws... more ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the potential effects of statewide nondiscrimination laws on community stigma, as well as its relationship with psychosocial stressors and mental health outcomes. Gender minority individuals (N = 120) completed an online survey containing psychosocial and mental health outcome measures. The experiences of participants who resided in states with and without nondiscrimination laws were compared in regard to perceived community stigma. Hierarchical and logistic regression were used to test the hypothesized relationships between community stigma and lifetime discrimination and victimization; current depression, anxiety, and substance use; and lifetime suicide attempts. Approximately 60% of participants reported residing in a state without nondiscrimination laws (n = 74). These participants reported higher levels of perceived community stigma, and stigma was positively associated with reports of lifetime discrimination and victimization. The observed relationship between stigma and current anxiety symptoms was marginally significant. Logistic regression results indicate that stigma was positively related to the odds of reporting a lifetime suicide attempt. Analyses suggest that statewide nondiscrimination laws are associated with lower rates of perceived stigma at the community level, which, in turn, is associated with lower rates of discrimination, victimization, anxiety, and risk for attempted suicide.
ABSTRACT Background: Previous research suggests that attending a high school with a gay-straight ... more ABSTRACT Background: Previous research suggests that attending a high school with a gay-straight alliance (GSA) is associated with reduced risk for suicide, school victimization, and alcohol misuse among sexual minority youth. In the present study, we investigate whether attending a high school with GSA is associated with lower risk for illicit drug use and prescription drug misuse. Methods: This study queries sexual minority high school students via an online survey and collects data regarding their community environment, family relationships, mental health, school experiences, and substance use. Currently, 402 sexual minority high school students have completed the survey; data collection is ongoing. Participants are 51.7% female, 40.8% male, and 7.5% transgender; 282 are attending a school with a GSA. Results: Preliminary results indicate that youth attending schools with GSAs evidence lower risk for having used any illicit drug (odds ratio [OR] = .613, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .398 .944), cocaine (OR = .366, CI = .162 .867), hallucinogens (OR = .470, CI = .233 1.757), and marijuana (OR = .594, CI = .382 923). In addition, these youth evidenced lower risk for the misuse of prescription stimulants (OR = .439, CI = .234 .823), anxiety medications (OR = .396, CI = .211 .742), and pain medications (OR = .512, CI = .293 .897). Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate an association between attending a high school with a GSA and lower risk for drug use. Once data collection is complete, additional analyses will investigate whether differences in risk exist between GSA members and non-members. Implications for educational policy and limitations of the study will be addressed.
ABSTRACT Objectives: Current theories for explaining why the LGBT population evidences increased ... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Current theories for explaining why the LGBT population evidences increased alcohol misuse have yet to incorporate personality characteristics. This study investigates the unique influence of sensation seeking when predicting alcohol use outcomes among sexual minority youth. Methods: A total of 384 sexual minority high school students ages 16-19 (M = 16.75, SD = 0.94) were recruited nationally from various LGBT organizations and social networking websites. Participants completed an online survey assessing variables related to anxiety, school victimization, parental acceptance, child abuse, alcohol use, and sensation seeking. Multiple regressions were calculated to predict alcohol use outcomes; age and gender were entered in at block one, known minority risk factors (e.g., parental acceptance, childhood abuse, school victimization, and anxiety) at block two, and sensation seeking at block three. Results: The overall models predicting the outcome variables were all statistically significant (p adjR2 range .104 .409). At block three, sensation seeking was a significant predictor of consumption outcomes (e.g., weekly drinking [ΔR2 = .016, p = .009], pre-gaming/pre-partying [ΔR2 = .019, p = .005], and AUDIT consumption scores [ΔR2 = .012, p = .015]), but not of current alcohol problems (e.g., AUDIT total [ΔR2 = .004, p > .05] or dependence scores [ΔR2 = .000, p > .05]). Conclusions: After controlling for important minority risk factors, sensation seeking was a significant predictor of alcohol consumption-related outcomes in this sample of sexual minority youth. Implications exist for incorporating personality research into theories explaining the development of substance misuse among sexual minority populations.
Previous research has suggested that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals e... more Previous research has suggested that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals enter treatment for substance abuse with more severe problems than heterosexual individuals. However, methodological difficulties, particularly the difficulty of obtaining a representative sample, have limited the ability to draw conclusions about LGBT individuals who receive services for substance abuse. This study took advantage of a unique opportunity to examine a representative sample of openly LGBT clients receiving publicly funded substance abuse treatment by using data gathered by treatment providers in Washington State. Baseline differences between openly LGBT and heterosexual clients were compared in a variety of domains. Results demonstrated that openly LGBT clients enter treatment with more severe substance abuse problems, greater psychopathology, and greater medical service utilization when compared with heterosexual clients. When the analyses were stratified based on sex, different patterns of substance use and associated psychosocial characteristics emerged for the LGBT clients. Implications for provision of appropriate services and recommendations to treatment agencies are discussed in this article.
Substance abuse research has demonstrated that client sexual orientation influences treatment out... more Substance abuse research has demonstrated that client sexual orientation influences treatment outcomes. Consequently, many substance user treatment programs offer services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. In a recent search of SAMHSA treatment listings, 11.8% (N=911) of substance user treatment programs (including residential, outpatient, and partial hospitalization) in the United States and Puerto Rico indicated that they offer specialized services for LGBT clients. However, a telephone survey we conducted in 2003-2004 revealed that 70.8% of these "LGBT" programs were no different from services offered to the general population, and only 7.4% could identify a service specifically tailored to the needs of LGBT clients. Implications for LGBT individuals seeking services are discussed, the study's limitations are noted, and future research directions are identified.
ABSTRACT Objectives: Although a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use dis... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Although a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use disorders, little emphasis is placed on allowing individuals to choose their own treatment trajectories. Considering the preference of a person for the type of substance abuse treatment; he or she would want to be made to feel important and in allowing the person to feel autonomous, which may impact the overall motivation for substance abuse behavior change. Methods: The investigators assessed 51 country detention facility inmates recently arrested on drug-related or alcohol-related charges, examining the motivational factors and treatment preference when presented with 2 hypothetical treatments. Results: The findings showed that the group was relatively evenly split in terms of the percent choosing each treatment. Furthermore, individuals who reported preferring an abstinence-based philosophy of treatment had higher levels of readiness to change than those choosing a harm reduction philosophy. Conclusions: The results of this study have implications for developing brief interventions that could help facilitate the entry of motivated substance users into 12-step groups.
The intricate, intimate, and definitively idiographic experiences of transgender individuals are ... more The intricate, intimate, and definitively idiographic experiences of transgender individuals are eloquently documented by Matthew Heinz in his book Entering Transmasculinity: The Inevitability of Discourse. From the book’s subtitle, the use of the term “inevitability” to describe discourse regarding transmasculinity is a poignant indicator of the times in which we live, as just a few decades ago, “dearth” may have been a more apt descriptor. The academic literature on transgender issues has recently burgeoned, with a frequent focus on the disproportionate rates of health disparities (e.g., Hughto, Reisner, & Pachankis, 2015; Stotzer, 2009; Tebbe & Moradi, 2012), transition related barriers such as gatekeeping and diagnostic dilemmas (e.g., Belluardo-Crosby & Lillis, 2012; Coleman et al., 2012), and the fight to eliminate anti-transgender prejudice (e.g., Reed, Franks, & Scherr, 2015; Schilt, 2010; Walch et al., 2012). While these are certainly among the discourses detailed in his book, Heinz uniquely chronicles “current transmasculine discourse...where advocacy against systemic gender-based violence encounters tips for transguys’ father’s day presents” (p. 125). Heinz’s thoughtful inclusion and review of YouTube videos, Buzzfeed and Yahoo! discussion boards, blogs, spoken word performances, popular media, news articles, and many other sources of discourse provides an insightful lens into the identity development process, the transition navigation, and the gender socialization of numerous transmasculine individuals. A focus on the diverse experiences of these individuals is long overdue. Heinz also integrates groundbreaking research from empirical studies, such as Bennett’s dissertation on developing a psychoanalytic model of psychological development throughout transition, and Bockting, Knudson, and Goldberg’s (2006) research on mental health practices for transgender individuals and their loved ones, with these non-academic sources to create a profound reference piece for those interested in gaining insight into what it means to identify as a transmasculine individual. Although geared primarily toward an academic audience—researchers of LGBT issues and communication studies, in particular—this book provides a multitude of resources that would be of use for individuals navigating their own gender identity, for parents of transmasculine individuals, for practitioners seeking to enhance their competencies, and for community organizers and activists. Heinz notes that most commonly, transmen are depicted as white, middle-class, heterosexual, able-bodied individuals itching to uncover their bare chests to the world. He challenges this representation by asserting that entering transmasculine discourse means embarking on a journey of multifinality; sharing, in his book, “not just a story of emergence from a set of representations, but stories of emergence
Utilizing sensitive methodology for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals is important acr... more Utilizing sensitive methodology for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals is important across all psychological fields. This tutorial provides tangible recommendations for non-experts, offers a “real-world” example of issues that might arise, informs researchers how to make theoretically/methodologically rigorous decisions when (not if) they arise, and discusses the collective impact of GSM identities on the central research question. It presents exploratory comparisons on acute affective responding between community-recruited adolescent (aged 15–17 years) and emerging adult (aged 18–25 years) cisgender and gender minority (GM) participants exposed to simulated peer rejection. These data provide points of divergence (e.g., GM participants had higher negative affect at the first assessment) and convergence (e.g., all participants reported greater negative affect post-rejection) that have implications for future research.
This project utilized a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to conduct qualita... more This project utilized a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach to conduct qualitative interviews with 30 transgender adults living in a rural state. Participants' identities spanned from trans women and men to non-binary and Two-Spirit. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences, needs, and priorities of the participants as well as to examine possible determinants of mental health, well-being, and suicidality for transgender individuals in Montana. These factors were investigated at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels using an ecological framework. Qualitative results indicate that participants experienced discrimination at all levels. Participants noted that discrimination contributed to mental health challenges and limited access to adequate general and transgender-specific healthcare services, both of which impacted overall well-being. This is reflected most notably in the elevated rate of past suicidal ideation attemp...
Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 2017
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which ... more Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which has been linked to higher rates of nicotine and substance use. Research on this disparity to date is largely predicated on methodology that is insensitive to within day SGM-based discrimination experiences, or their relation to momentary nicotine and substance use risk. We address this knowledge gap in the current study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Fifty SGM individuals, between 18 and 45 years of age, were recruited from an inland northwestern university, regardless of their nicotine or substance use history, and invited to participate in an EMA study. Each were prompted to provide data, six times daily (between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 14 days, regarding SGM-based discrimination, other forms of mistreatment, and nicotine, drug, and alcohol use since their last prompt. Discrimination experiences that occurred since individuals' last measurement prompt were asso...
Objective: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority str... more Objective: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience elevated rates of minority stress, which has been linked to higher rates of nicotine and substance use. Research on this disparity to date is largely predicated on methodology that is insensitive to within-day SGM-based discrimination experiences, or their relation to momentary nicotine and substance use risk. We address this knowledge gap in the current study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Method: Fifty SGM individuals, between 18 and 45 years of age, were recruited from an inland northwestern university, regardless of their nicotine or substance use history, and invited to participate in an EMA study. Each were prompted to provide data, 6 times daily (between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) for 14 days, regarding SGM-based discrimination, other forms of mistreatment, and nicotine, drug, and alcohol use since their last prompt. Results: Discrimination experiences that occurred since individuals’ last measur...
Sexual minority young adults experience elevated rates of distal stress (discrimination, victimiz... more Sexual minority young adults experience elevated rates of distal stress (discrimination, victimization), and related psychological distress and alcohol misuse. However, few studies have examined the degree to which personality trait differences confer risk/resilience among sexual minority young adults. We hypothesized that psychological distress would mediate the relationship between distal stress and alcohol misuse, but that these relationships would be moderated by personality trait differences. Sexual minority young adults (N=412) were recruited nationally. Survey measures included demographic questions, minority stressors, Five Factor personality traits, and current psychological distress and alcohol misuse symptoms. We used a data-driven two-stage cluster analytic technique to empirically derive personality trait profiles, and conducted mediation and moderated mediation analyses using a regression-based approach. Our results supported a two-group personality profile solution. R...
ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Transgender individuals face compounding stressors that increase their vulne... more ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: Transgender individuals face compounding stressors that increase their vulnerability to mental illness and suicidality (Bockting, Knudson, & Goldberg, 2006). Whereas these poor mental health outcomes have been associated with events of discrimination and victimization (Rotondi, 2012), less is known regarding the effects of institutionalized stigma. This study explores the relationships between statewide transgender protections, perceived community stigma, and mental health correlates among 120 transgender individuals. METHODS: 32 transwomen, 37 transmen, and 51 gender-variant participants were extracted from a larger study on LGBT mental health. Covarying for age, we performed an ANCOVA to determine the effect of state legal protections on perceived community stigma. Follow up bivariate analyses were performed to examine the relationships between stigma and depression, anxiety, suicidality, victimization, and discrimination. RESULTS: Statewide legal protections had a significant effect on perceived community stigma, F(1, 114) = 7.47, p = .007, such that individuals in states without protections reported greater perceived stigma (M = 3.14 versus 2.63). Further, perceived stigma was positively associated with lifetime suicide attempts, r(107) = .19, p = .048, victimization, r(107) = .30, p < .01, and discrimination, r(107) = 0.44, p< .01 CONCLUSION: Transgender individuals are at the intersection of multiple stigmas; thus, attempts to address these stressors must also be manifold. These data suggest that legal protections are one such channel for indirectly mitigating poor mental health outcomes through the alleviation of stigma at the community level. Implications for public health, administration, and future research will be discussed.
ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the potential effects of statewide nondiscrimination laws... more ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the potential effects of statewide nondiscrimination laws on community stigma, as well as its relationship with psychosocial stressors and mental health outcomes. Gender minority individuals (N = 120) completed an online survey containing psychosocial and mental health outcome measures. The experiences of participants who resided in states with and without nondiscrimination laws were compared in regard to perceived community stigma. Hierarchical and logistic regression were used to test the hypothesized relationships between community stigma and lifetime discrimination and victimization; current depression, anxiety, and substance use; and lifetime suicide attempts. Approximately 60% of participants reported residing in a state without nondiscrimination laws (n = 74). These participants reported higher levels of perceived community stigma, and stigma was positively associated with reports of lifetime discrimination and victimization. The observed relationship between stigma and current anxiety symptoms was marginally significant. Logistic regression results indicate that stigma was positively related to the odds of reporting a lifetime suicide attempt. Analyses suggest that statewide nondiscrimination laws are associated with lower rates of perceived stigma at the community level, which, in turn, is associated with lower rates of discrimination, victimization, anxiety, and risk for attempted suicide.
ABSTRACT Background: Previous research suggests that attending a high school with a gay-straight ... more ABSTRACT Background: Previous research suggests that attending a high school with a gay-straight alliance (GSA) is associated with reduced risk for suicide, school victimization, and alcohol misuse among sexual minority youth. In the present study, we investigate whether attending a high school with GSA is associated with lower risk for illicit drug use and prescription drug misuse. Methods: This study queries sexual minority high school students via an online survey and collects data regarding their community environment, family relationships, mental health, school experiences, and substance use. Currently, 402 sexual minority high school students have completed the survey; data collection is ongoing. Participants are 51.7% female, 40.8% male, and 7.5% transgender; 282 are attending a school with a GSA. Results: Preliminary results indicate that youth attending schools with GSAs evidence lower risk for having used any illicit drug (odds ratio [OR] = .613, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .398 .944), cocaine (OR = .366, CI = .162 .867), hallucinogens (OR = .470, CI = .233 1.757), and marijuana (OR = .594, CI = .382 923). In addition, these youth evidenced lower risk for the misuse of prescription stimulants (OR = .439, CI = .234 .823), anxiety medications (OR = .396, CI = .211 .742), and pain medications (OR = .512, CI = .293 .897). Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate an association between attending a high school with a GSA and lower risk for drug use. Once data collection is complete, additional analyses will investigate whether differences in risk exist between GSA members and non-members. Implications for educational policy and limitations of the study will be addressed.
ABSTRACT Objectives: Current theories for explaining why the LGBT population evidences increased ... more ABSTRACT Objectives: Current theories for explaining why the LGBT population evidences increased alcohol misuse have yet to incorporate personality characteristics. This study investigates the unique influence of sensation seeking when predicting alcohol use outcomes among sexual minority youth. Methods: A total of 384 sexual minority high school students ages 16-19 (M = 16.75, SD = 0.94) were recruited nationally from various LGBT organizations and social networking websites. Participants completed an online survey assessing variables related to anxiety, school victimization, parental acceptance, child abuse, alcohol use, and sensation seeking. Multiple regressions were calculated to predict alcohol use outcomes; age and gender were entered in at block one, known minority risk factors (e.g., parental acceptance, childhood abuse, school victimization, and anxiety) at block two, and sensation seeking at block three. Results: The overall models predicting the outcome variables were all statistically significant (p adjR2 range .104 .409). At block three, sensation seeking was a significant predictor of consumption outcomes (e.g., weekly drinking [ΔR2 = .016, p = .009], pre-gaming/pre-partying [ΔR2 = .019, p = .005], and AUDIT consumption scores [ΔR2 = .012, p = .015]), but not of current alcohol problems (e.g., AUDIT total [ΔR2 = .004, p > .05] or dependence scores [ΔR2 = .000, p > .05]). Conclusions: After controlling for important minority risk factors, sensation seeking was a significant predictor of alcohol consumption-related outcomes in this sample of sexual minority youth. Implications exist for incorporating personality research into theories explaining the development of substance misuse among sexual minority populations.
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Papers by Bryan Cochran