211
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Heterosexist events and psychological problems: internalized homophobia as a mediator and perceived parental support as a moderator

, , &
Pages 82-96 | Received 15 Apr 2022, Accepted 17 Apr 2023, Published online: 02 May 2023

References

  • Bedford, O., & Yeh, K. H. (2021). Evolution of the conceptualization of filial piety in the global context: From skin to skeleton. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 570547. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.570547
  • Beijing LGBT Center. (2014). Chinese LGBT mental health survey report.
  • Cao, J., & Guo, L. (2016). Chinese “Tongzhi” community, civil society, and online activism. Communication and the Public, 1(4), 504–508. https://doi.org/10.1177/2057047316683199
  • Castro, I., & Sujak, M. (2014). “Why can’t we learn about this?” Sexual minority students navigate the official and hidden curricular spaces of high school. Education and Urban Society, 46(4), 450–473. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124512458117
  • Chan, R. C. (2022). Effects of online heterosexist experiences on physical and mental health in sexual minorities: An examination of the cognitive and affective mechanisms. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(17–18), NP16206–16235. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211021962
  • Chen, S., Chiu, H., Xu, B., Ma, Y., Jin, T., Wu, M., & Conwell, Y. (2010). Reliability and validity of the PHQ‐9 for screening late‐life depression in Chinese primary care. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(11), 1127–1133. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2442
  • Choi, K. H., Steward, W. T., Miège, P., & Gregorich, S. E. (2017). Unpacking the influence of sexual stigma on HIV risk: Results from a prospective study of men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 74(2), e38–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/qai.0000000000001217
  • Choi, K. H., Steward, W. T., Miège, P., Hudes, E., & Gregorich, S. E. (2016). Sexual stigma, coping styles, and psychological distress: A longitudinal study of men who have sex with men in Beijing, China. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 45(6), 1483–1491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-015-0640-z
  • Chong, E. S., Zhang, Y., Mak, W. W., & Pang, I. H. (2015). Social media as social capital of LGB individuals in Hong Kong: Its relations with group membership, stigma, and mental well-being. American Journal of Community Psychology, 55(1–2), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-014-9699-2
  • Chou, W. S. (2001). Homosexuality and the cultural politics of tongzhi in Chinese society. Journal of Homosexuality, 40(3–4), 27–46. https://doi.org/10.1300/j082v40n03_03
  • Doty, N. D., Willoughby, B. L. B., Lindahl, K. M., and Malik, N. M 2010 Sexuality related social support among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth Journal of Youth and Adolescence 39 1134–1147 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-010-9566-x
  • Freitas, D. F., D’Augelli, A. R., Coimbra, S., & Fontaine, A. M. (2016). Discrimination and mental health among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths in Portugal: The moderating role of family relationships and optimism. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 12(1), 68–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/1550428x.2015.1070704
  • Frost, D. M., & Meyer, I. H. (2009). Internalized homophobia and relationship quality among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 56(1), 97–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0012844
  • Fu, X. L., Suning, M. Q. E., Liu, A. R., Fan, H. R., & Ye, X. Y. (2012). An investigation of college students’cognition and attitude to homosexuality and substantial research. Resources Policy, 21(1), 22–28. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-1993.2012.01.009
  • Han, Q. (2012). The ties that bind: An overview of traditional Chinese family ethics. Journal of Chinese Studies, 1(1), 85–99.
  • Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2009). How does sexual minority stigma “get under the skin”? A psychological mediation framework. Psychological Bulletin, 135(5), 707–730. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016441
  • Hayes, A. F. (2015). An index and test of linear moderated mediation. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 50(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/00273171.2014.962683
  • Heiden Rootes, K., Wiegand, A., Thomas, D., Moore, R. M., & Ross, K. A. (2020). A national survey on depression, internalized homophobia, college religiosity, and climate of acceptance on college campuses for sexual minority adults. Journal of Homosexuality, 67(4), 435–451. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1550329
  • Hu, L., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cut-off criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118
  • Hu, X., & Wang, Y. (2013). LGB identity among young Chinese: The influence of traditional culture. Journal of Homosexuality, 60(5), 667–684. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2013.773815
  • Kibrik, E. L., Cohen, N., Stolowicz-Melman, D., Levy, A., Boruchovitz-Zamir, R., & Diamond, G. M. (2019). Measuring adult children’s perceptions of their parents’ acceptance and rejection of their sexual orientation: Initial development of the Parental Acceptance and Rejection of Sexual Orientation Scale (PARSOS). Journal of Homosexuality, 66(11), 1513–1534. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1503460
  • Kline, R. B. (2005). Principle and practice of structural equation modeling (2nd ed.). Guilford Press Publications.
  • Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
  • Kwok, D. K., & Wu, J. (2015). Chinese attitudes towards sexual minorities in Hong Kong: Implications for mental health. International Review of Psychiatry, 27(5), 444–454. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540261.2015.1083950
  • Lau, H., & Stotzer, R. L. (2011). Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation: A Hong Kong study. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 23(1), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10672-010-9150-2
  • Li, Y. H., & Zheng, H. X. (2013). Public attitudes toward homosexuality and its correlated factors. Journal of South China Normal University (Social Science Edition), 6(6), 31–36.
  • Liang, B., & Kang, X. D. (2012). The cognition and attitude toward homosexuality among college students in Chengdu. Chinese Journal of School Health, 33(2), 211–212. https://doi.org/10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2012.02.035
  • Liu, Y., Jiang, C., Li, S., Gu, Y., Zhou, Y., An, X., Zhao, L., & Pan, G. (2018). Association of recent gay-related stressful events with depressive symptoms in Chinese men who have sex with men. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 217. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1787-7
  • Mak, W. W., & Cheung, R. Y. (2010). Self-stigma among concealable minorities in Hong Kong: Conceptualization and unified measurement. The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 80(2), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01030.x
  • Mann, S. L. (2011). Gender and sexuality in modern Chinese history (Vol. 9). Cambridge University Press.
  • Marsh, H. W., Wen, Z., & Hau, K. T. (2004). Structural equation models of latent interactions: Evaluation of alternative estimation strategies and indicator construction. Psychological Methods, 9(3), 275–300. https://doi.org/10.1037/1082-989x.9.3.275
  • Mason, T. B., Lewis, R. J., Winstead, B. A., & Derlega, V. J. (2015). External and internalized heterosexism among sexual minority women: The moderating roles of social constraints and collective self-esteem. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2(3), 313–320. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000115
  • Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
  • Millar, B. M., Wang, K., & Pachankis, J. E. (2016). The moderating role of internalized homonegativity on the efficacy of LGB-affirmative psychotherapy: Results from a randomized controlled trial with young adult gay and bisexual men. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 84(7), 565–570. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000113
  • Mohr, J. J., & Fassinger, R. E. (2003). Self-acceptance and self-disclosure of sexual orientation in lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults: An attachment perspective. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 50(4), 482–495. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.50.4.482
  • Newcomb, M. E., & Mustanski, B. (2010). Internalized homophobia and internalizing mental health problems: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(8), 1019–1029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.07.003
  • Pachankis, J. E., Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Rendina, H. J., Safren, S. A., & Parsons, J. T. (2015). LGB-affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy for young adult gay and bisexual men: A randomized controlled trial of a transdiagnostic minority stress approach. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(5), 875–889. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000037
  • Petruzzella, A., Feinstein, B. A., Davila, J., & Lavner, J. A. (2020). Gay-specific and general stressors predict gay men’s psychological functioning over time. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(5), 1755–1767. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01672-4
  • Puckett, J. A., Newcomb, M. E., Garofalo, R., & Mustanski, B. (2016). The impact of victimization and neuroticism on mental health in young men who have sex with men: Internalized homophobia as an underlying mechanism. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 13(3), 193–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-016-0239-8
  • Puckett, J. A., Woodward, E. N., Mereish, E. H., & Pantalone, D. W. (2015). Parental rejection following sexual orientation disclosure: Impact on internalized homophobia, social support, and mental health. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, 2(3), 265–269. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2013.0024
  • Ren, Z., & Hood, R. W., Jr. (2018). Internalized homophobia scale for gay Chinese men: Conceptualization, factor structure, reliability, and associations with hypothesized correlates. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(5), 1297–1306. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318768603
  • Ren, Z., Howe, C. Q., & Zhang, W. (2019). Maintaining “mianzi” and “lizi”: understanding the reasons for formality marriages between gay men and lesbians in China. Transcultural Psychiatry, 56(1), 213–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461518799517
  • Russell, D. W., Kahn, J. H., Spoth, R., & Altmaier, E. M. (1998). Analyzing data from experimental studies: A latent variable structural equation modeling approach. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 45(1), 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.45.1.18
  • Shao, J., Chang, E. S., & Chen, C. (2018). The relative importance of parent–child dynamics and minority stress on the psychological adjustment of LGBs in China. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(5), 598–604. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000281
  • Shepherd, B. F., Chang, C. J., Dyar, C., Brochu, P. M., Selby, E. A., & Feinstein, B. A. (2022). Out of the closet, but not out of the woods: The longitudinal associations between identity disclosure, discrimination, and nonsuicidal self-injury among sexual minoritized young adults. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000597
  • Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092–1097. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.166.10.1092
  • Sun, S., Pachankis, J. E., Li, X., and Operario, D. 2020 Addressing minority stress and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China Current HIV/AIDS Reports 17 1 35–62 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-019-00479-w
  • Szymanski, D. M. (2006). Does internalized heterosexism moderate the link between heterosexist events and lesbians’ psychological distress? Sex Roles, 54(3–4), 227–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-9340-4
  • Szymanski, D. M. (2009). Examining potential moderators of the link between heterosexist events and gay and bisexual men’s psychological distress. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 56(1), 142–151. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.56.1.142
  • Szymanski, D. M., & Sung, M. R. (2013). Asian cultural values, internalized heterosexism, and sexual orientation disclosure among Asian American sexual minority persons. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 7(3), 257–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538605.2013.812930
  • Tanigawa, D., Furlong, M. J., Felix, E. D., & Sharkey, J. D. (2011). The protective role of perceived social support against the manifestation of depressive symptoms in peer victims. Journal of School Violence, 10(4), 393–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/15388220.2011.602614
  • Tong, X., An, D., McGonigal, A., Park, S. P., & Zhou, D. (2016). Validation of the generalized Anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) among Chinese people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Research, 120, 31–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2015.11.019
  • Tu, J. W., & Lee, T. T. (2014). The effects of media usage and interpersonal contacts on the stereotyping of lesbians and gay men in China. Journal of Homosexuality, 61(7), 980–1002. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2014.871904
  • United Nations Development Programme China. (2016) . Being LGBTI in China – a National Survey on Social Attitudes towards Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression. UNDP.
  • Wang, F. T., Bih, H. D., & Brennan, D. J. (2009). Have they really come out: Gay men and their parents in Taiwan. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 11(3), 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691050802572711
  • Wen, G., & Zheng, L. (2019). The influence of internalized homophobia on health-related quality of life and life satisfaction among gay and bisexual men in China. American Journal of Men’s Health, 13(4), 1557988319864775. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319864775
  • Woodford, M. R., Howell, M. L., Silverschanz, P., & Yu, L. (2012). “That’s so gay!”: Examining the covariates of hearing this expression among gay, lesbian, and bisexual college students. Journal of American College Health, 60(6), 429–434. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2012.673519
  • Xu, W., Zheng, L., Xu, Y., & Zheng, Y. (2017). Internalized homophobia, mental health, sexual behaviors, and outness of gay/bisexual men from Southwest China. International Journal for Equity in Health, 16(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-017-0530-1
  • Zhou, Y. R. (2006). Homosexuality, seropositivity, and family obligations: Perspectives of HIV-infected men who have sex with men in China. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 8(6), 487–500. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691050600847455

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.