Exploring how structural stigma affects mental health in sexual minorities over time
Official title: The Mental Health Consequences of Life Course-Varying Exposure to Structural Sexual Minority Stigma: Advancing Causal Inference Using Longitudinal Models Moderated by Sexual Orientation
Funded at San Diego State University · NIH-10749052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how negative attitudes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals can affect their mental health over time, helping us understand the connection between these experiences and issues like depression and suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03MH132025-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10749052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include sexual minorities who have experienced varying levels of stigma throughout their lives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who identify as heterosexual or have not experienced stigma related to their sexual orientation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term mental health effects of structural stigma on sexual minorities, who are individuals not identifying as heterosexual. By analyzing data from a significant longitudinal study, the project aims to understand how exposure to stigma throughout different life stages impacts mental health outcomes such as depression and suicide attempts. The study will assess the timing and intensity of stigma exposure to establish a causal relationship, providing insights into how societal attitudes and policies affect the well-being of sexual minorities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and policies that better support sexual minorities.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on stigma and mental health, this research uniquely employs a longitudinal approach to establish causality, making it a novel contribution to the field.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego State University
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Der Star, Arjan — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Van Der Star, Arjan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.