From Stigma to Strength? The Interrelations Between Sexual Identity Stigma, Well-Being, and Accepting Communities on Instagram Amongst Sexual Minority Youth

IntroductionInitial evidence suggests that engaging with supportive and accepting communities on social media such as Instagram may inform sexual minority youths’ sense of sexual identity stigma and well-being. However, existing research has predominately drawn upon small-scale, cross-sectional, and/or qualitative designs. It is therefore currently unclear whether the positive experiences identified in previous research accumulate, endure, or evolve over time. We also know relatively little about the individual differences that drive sexual minority youth to engage with accepting online communities. Thus, drawing upon minority stress theory and broaden-and-build theory, this study explores the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between perceived stigma, well-being, and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. MethodThree-wave panel data were collected from 460 sexual minority youth in the United States and Poland (M age = 18.58, SD = 1.64), and data were analyzed using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. ResultsNo significant within-person associations emerged between perceived stigma and engagement with accepting Instagram networks. However, a positive reciprocal relationship was found between well-being and engagement with accepting communities on Instagram. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model. ConclusionsResults suggest that whilst the interrelations between perceived stigma and engaging with accepting online networks may be short-lived, engaging with supportive Instagram communities may contribute to an upward spiral of positive emotions. Findings therefore extend the existing literature regarding the potential benefits of social media use amongst sexual minority youth.