The Relative Importance of Parent-Child Dynamics and Minority Stress on the Psychological Adjustment of LGBs in China

This cross-sectional study examined how minority stress (i.e., internalized homonegativity, self-concealment, and rejection sensitivity) and positive parent-child relationship dynamics (i.e., respect for parents and perceived parental support for sexual orientation) were associated with the psychological adjustment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in China. Based on survey responses from 277 self-identified Chinese LGB young adults, results from structural equation modeling showed that minority stress was not a significant predictor of psychological maladjustment, whereas respect for parents and perceived parental support for sexual orientation were associated with positive psychological adjustment. Tests of gender differences partially confirmed whether Confucian traditions may burden sexual minority men more than women. Gender differences were found in the correlations between minority stress and each measure of positive parent-child relationship dynamics. However, the associations between independent variables and psychological maladjustment were not different between men and women in the sample. Our results suggest that culture-specific variables, such as parent-child factors within the context of China, may be especially important when working with LGB individuals in research and clinical practice. Public Significance Statement The findings revealed that parent-child relationship factors may be more important for the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults in China than the stress of being part of a socially stigmatized group. These findings raise awareness of the importance of cultural factors in counseling sexual minority youth.