LGBT sexuality and gender minority experiences of minority stress: a comparison of models and theories

Abstract Compelling evidence demonstrates that Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) populations have a higher prevalence of mental disorders compared to their heterosexual peers (Meyer in Psychol Bull 129(5):674–697, 2003). This has been attributed to minority stressors in the minority stress model. Since this model was established in 2003, there have been significant socio-political events that discriminate against SGM LGBTQ+ individuals. There have also been rival hypotheses, including rejection sensitivity (Feinstein in Arch Sex Behav 49(7):2247–2258, 2020) and ‘misperceiving of neutral events’ (Bailey in Arch Sex Behav 49(7):2265–2268, 2019). Examine SGM perspectives and investigate how well they align with Meyers model (2003). 16 qualitative studies capturing SGM minority stress experiences were extracted from scientific databases and, thematically analysed deductively using Meyer’s minority stress model, in addition to generating original subthemes. This systematic review thematically analysed 16 eligible studies, which generated 6 superordinate themes (Discrimination, Lack of representation, Navigation, Harassment, Depersonalization and Mental Health Outcomes) and 18 sub-themes. These themes were then situated in categories from Meyer’s Minority Stress Model (2003) (Circumstances, Minority Status, Distal stressors, Proximal stressors, and Mental health outcomes). SGM-specific stress experiences integrated into the Minority Stress Model (circumstances, navigation, distal, proximal, and mental health outcomes). The collected data elaborated the model with sub-themes such as discrimination, lack of representation, vigilance, depression, body image and positive coping in sum, this study offers support for and updates Meyer’s minority stress model whilst rejecting competing theories (Bailey 2019; Feinstein 2019).