Heterosexism, mental health, and suicide: Investigating the moderating role of coping in sexual minority men

摘要

This cross-sectional study examined if heterosexist experiences (harassment/rejection, workplace/school discrimination, other) were associated with suicidality (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts) and symptoms of anxiety/depression, and if symptoms of anxiety/depression were associated with suicidality in a national sample of sexual minority men (SMM; N = 89). The study also examined if depression mediated the relationship between heterosexist events and suicidal ideation and whether active and disengaged coping styles moderated this relationship. All associations were significant and positive, with harassment/rejection and symptoms of depression generally independently associated with outcome variables. Symptoms of depression were a significant mediator of the harassment/rejection-suicidal ideation relationship; however, neither disengaged nor active coping moderated the mediation. Clinical research could focus on reducing symptoms of depression associated with heterosexist events in order to influence suicidal ideation in SMM. Other implications are discussed.