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Evaluation ViewAttendees 2

Category: LGBTQ+

Symposium 50 - Understanding Experiences of Distress in Specific LGBT Groups: Taking Intersectionality and Measurement Seriously

Saturday, November 18, 2023
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM PST
Location: Nooksack (602), Level 6
CE: 1.5

Keywords: LGBTQ+, Stress, Risk / Vulnerability Factors
Level of Familiarity: Basic to Moderate
Recommended Readings: Testa, R. J., Habarth, J., Peta, J., Balsam, K., & Bockting, W. (2015). Development of the gender minority stress and resilience measure. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity, 2(1), 65.,   Parent, M. C., DeBlaere, C., & Moradi, B. (2013). Approaches to research on intersectionality: Perspectives on gender, LGBT, and racial/ethnic identities. Sex roles, 68, 639-645.,  

Budge, S. L., Adelson, J. L., & Howard, K. A. S. (2013). Anxiety and depression in transgender individuals: The roles of transition status, loss, social support, and coping. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 545–557.

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             Given current knowledge of mental health disparities among LGBT groups, the need for accurate conceptualization and measurement of distress in LGBT individuals is paramount. LGBT people experience a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, in addition to unique distress phenomena (i.e., coming out, microaggressions, and experiences of discrimination). These two experiences have been linked by the Minority Stress model, which posits those experiences of discrimination and prejudice result in higher distress and greater mental health difficulties (Testa et al., 2015). It is also understood that LGBT experiences are not heterogenous, occurring at different social intersections (i.e., race, gender identity, age). From a clinical perspective, we also have knowledge that, because of the intersections of social identity and minority stress, help-seeking behaviors themselves are not heterogeneous. While we have emerging knowledge that distress phenomena are not homogenous among LGBT participants, we are only beginning to understand how intra-group differences affect not only the conceptualization and understanding of distress phenomena but also the efficacy of clinical interventions aimed at reducing distress in LGBT individuals.

            This symposium aims to stimulate discussion on the importance of subgroup differences, and how we understand, measure, and treat distress phenomena in LGBT groups. Speakers will showcase examples of novel studies that span a range of methodologies, from quantitative/structural methods of categorizing distress, embodied experiences, qualitative interviewing, and treatment-seeking. Together, the submissions represent the multitude of ways that subgroup differences appear in LGBT experiences. Most importantly, each study highlights the utility of considering the intersections of LGBT identities, and how being informed by these intersections results in a strong understanding of distress.

            The first talk will focus on measurement invariance in depression, anxiety, and stress experiences across trans and non-binary (TNB) and lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups (Micanovic, Vine, Seymour, & Victor). The second talk will expand on the role of interoception in depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a TNB sample (Hoelscher & Victor). The third talk will use novel statistical approaches to identify gender subgroups and explore distress outcomes outside of the gender binary (Chang & Rogge). Fourth, we will hear about the importance of intersectionality in distress and community in Latine LGBT individuals’ navigation of coming out (Posada Rodriguez, Pushpanadh, Albrecht-Soto, & Soto). The fifth talk will identify subgroup differences in symptom severity and mental health service utilization in a Veteran’s Affairs setting (Harper, Blosnich, Livingston, Vogt, Bernhard, Hoffmire, Maguen, & Schneiderman). Finally, accomplished affective clinical scientist Dr. José Soto will lead an integrated discussion lighting the way towards a more intersectional and nuanced understanding of distress phenomena in LGBT groups.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
  • Present an overview of the importance of subgroup differences in understandings of distress phenomena in LGBT subgroups.
  • Stimulate discussion of LGBT subgroup differences (i.e., depression, anxiety).
  • Identify experiences of distress unique to LGB individuals (i.e., coming out).
  • Consider the role of subgroup differences in advancing our understanding across a variety of research and clinical contexts.
  • Describe the importance of taking an intersectional lens to LGBT distress-related research.