Understanding the association between discrimination and depression among sexual minority people of color: Evidence for diminishing returns of socioeconomic advantage

ObjectiveTo examine the differential association of heterosexism and racism on depression as moderated by socioeconomic status (SES) among sexual minority people of color. MethodA cross-sectional sample of sexual minority people of color (n=170) was surveyed on their experiences of heterosexism, racism, depression, and SES in a national online study based in the United States. ResultsBivariately, SES was inversely associated with depression, racism, and heterosexism. Moderation analyses found that for individuals with less socioeconomic advantage, the associations between heterosexism and depression were not as strong. However, at higher socioeconomic advantage, heterosexism was more strongly positively associated with depression. ConclusionThese results suggest that the effects of discrimination on depression in sexual minority individuals of color may be accentuated at higher socioeconomic levels. Implications suggest helping sexual minority clients of color from higher SES backgrounds explore the effects of discrimination on their mental health.