A Naturalistic Test of Minority Stress Theory: Examining Social and Psychological Well-Being Trends Across Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Adults from 2009 to 2022.
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| Title: | A Naturalistic Test of Minority Stress Theory: Examining Social and Psychological Well-Being Trends Across Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Adults from 2009 to 2022. |
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| Authors: | Clarke, Eden V. (AUTHOR), Lilly, Kieren J. (AUTHOR), Osborne, Danny (AUTHOR), Hill Cone, Deborah (AUTHOR), Fluit, Sam (AUTHOR), Simionato, Natalia M. (AUTHOR), Sibley, Chris G. (AUTHOR), Barlow, Fiona Kate (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Sex Research. May2026, Vol. 63 Issue 4, p636-648. 13p. |
| Subjects: | Minority stress, Sexual minorities, Intersectionality, Psychological well-being, Heterosexuals, Well-being, LGBTQ+ rights |
| Geographic Terms: | New Zealand |
| Abstract: | Minority stress theory suggests that shifts toward egalitarianism should reduce well-being disparities between heterosexual people and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minorities (LGB+ people). However, few studies have examined well-being trends in these groups over periods of social change. We addressed this issue directly using a large nationwide random sample of New Zealand adults over thirteen years (from 2009 to 2022; Ntotal = 72,790; LGB+ n = 7,677). In doing so, we tracked people's well-being both before and in the years following major legal changes that increased LGB+ rights. Multigroup latent growth curve models revealed stable well-being differences between LGB+ and heterosexual participants across five domains of well-being, with little evidence of disparities reducing over time. Differences were most pronounced between younger LGB+ and heterosexual groups, with young LGB+ women and men reporting the lowest psychological and social well-being, respectively. These results highlight the need to further examine the impact of minority stress, as well as intersectional identities, on well-being among LGB+ populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Minority stress theory suggests that shifts toward egalitarianism should reduce well-being disparities between heterosexual people and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minorities (LGB+ people). However, few studies have examined well-being trends in these groups over periods of social change. We addressed this issue directly using a large nationwide random sample of New Zealand adults over thirteen years (from 2009 to 2022; Ntotal = 72,790; LGB+ n = 7,677). In doing so, we tracked people's well-being both before and in the years following major legal changes that increased LGB+ rights. Multigroup latent growth curve models revealed stable well-being differences between LGB+ and heterosexual participants across five domains of well-being, with little evidence of disparities reducing over time. Differences were most pronounced between younger LGB+ and heterosexual groups, with young LGB+ women and men reporting the lowest psychological and social well-being, respectively. These results highlight the need to further examine the impact of minority stress, as well as intersectional identities, on well-being among LGB+ populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00224499 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/00224499.2025.2458636 |
