Homophobic discrimination mediates the link between sexual minority status and later externalizing symptoms in adolescence

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Reference

Morgan R, Martin-Storey A, Lapalme M, Déry M, Temcheff CE. (2024). Homophobic discrimination mediates the link between sexual minority status and later externalizing symptoms in adolescence. Psychology of Violence.

Abstract

Objective: While research has extensively documented higher rates of internalizing problems among sexual minority youth compared to their heterosexual peers, less is known about externalizing problems among sexual minority youth and the mechanisms that underlie this vulnerability. Experiencing different forms of violence is a significant risk factor for subsequent externalizing problems among adolescents, and sexual minority youth are more likely to be targets of violence than their heterosexual peers. Three different types of violence—peer victimization, dating violence victimization, and homophobic discrimination—were examined as mediators in the link between sexual minority status in early–mid adolescence and externalizing symptoms 3 years later. Method: Participants were drawn from a longitudinal study of youth with and without conduct problems (N = 660, 53.9% boys, 46.1% girls, 91.4% nonsexual minority, 8.6% sexual minority, 90.8% White, Mage = 15.36). Sexual minority status was measured at Time 1, peer victimization and dating violence victimization at Time 2, and homophobic discrimination and externalizing problems at Time 3. A mediation model was tested using structural equation modeling. Results: Sexual minority status was associated with higher levels of later externalizing symptoms. This association was mediated by homophobic discrimination, such that this form of discrimination accounted for differences in externalizing problems between sexual minority and nonsexual minority youth. Conclusions: Findings underscore the urgent need to invest in targeted interventions for sexual minority youth that acknowledge how homophobic discrimination compromises their well-being to provide affirmative care and mitigate risk among this vulnerable population.

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