Exploring how structural stigma affects mental health in sexual minorities over time
The Mental Health Consequences of Life Course-Varying Exposure to Structural Sexual Minority Stigma: Advancing Causal Inference Using Longitudinal Models Moderated by Sexual Orientation
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 ID | NIH-10749052 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include sexual minorities who have experienced varying levels of stigma throughout their lives.
Not a fit: Patients who identify as heterosexual or have not experienced stigma related to their sexual orientation may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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, United States
- 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
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 below.