Proximal Minority Stress, Psychosocial Resources, and Health in Sexual Minorities

Although minority stress processes of internalized stigma and anticipated discrimination are related to poor mental and physical health, limited research has explored mechanisms through which they become related. Uncovering mechanisms could provide additional points of intervention to improve sexual minority health. Using data from 218 sexual minorities (gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals) who participated in an online study, we examined the indirect explanatory role of reduced psychosocial resources (social support, self-compassion, self-esteem) in the link between proximal minority stress (concealment, internalized stigma, anticipated discrimination) and health outcomes (psychological distress, self-reported health). Results revealed proximal minority stress processes were indirectly associated with self-reported health through reduced social support, and indirectly associated with psychological distress through reduced self-compassion and self-esteem. Findings highlight the compromised psychosocial resources that explain how minority stressors become linked with health. Interventions aimed at improving resources may be avenues for improving sexual minority health.