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Impact of Status-Based Rejection Sensitivity on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Gay Men

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  • Joseph Slimowicz

    (Private Practice, San Diego, CA 92109, USA)

  • Jedidiah Siev

    (Department of Psychology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA)

  • Paula M. Brochu

    (Nova Southeastern University, College of Psychology, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA)

Abstract

Status-based rejection sensitivity refers to the anxious expectation and tendency to perceive rejection in ambiguous social scenarios based on one’s minority identification. This study evaluates the implications of sensitivity to rejection based on sexual orientation identity on negative mental health outcomes. Current minority stress models include rejection sensitivity as a factor that may contribute to adverse negative psychosocial outcomes in LGBT persons. This study evaluates the role of rejection sensitivity alongside demographically relevant predictors such as age, race, education, and level of sexuality disclosure in predicting the presence of significant depression and anxiety scores among a sample of gay men. Results indicate that rejection sensitivity, sexuality openness, and anxiety were significant predictors of depression symptoms, whereas age and depression were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms. This study supports the role of rejection sensitivity as a contributor to negative mental health outcomes among gay men, particularly as it pertains to internalizing mental health disorders.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Slimowicz & Jedidiah Siev & Paula M. Brochu, 2020. "Impact of Status-Based Rejection Sensitivity on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Gay Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1546-:d:326234
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wight, R.G. & LeBlanc, A.J. & De Vries, B. & Detels, R., 2012. "Stress and mental health among midlife and older gay-identified men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(3), pages 503-510.
    2. Meyer, I.H. & Dietrich, J. & Schwartz, S., 2008. "Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders and suicide attempts in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(6), pages 1004-1006.
    3. Bostwick, W.B. & Boyd, C.J. & Hughes, T.L. & McCabe, S.E., 2010. "Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(3), pages 468-475.
    4. Choi, K.-H. & Paul, J. & Ayala, G. & Boylan, R. & Gregorich, S.E., 2013. "Experiences of discrimination and their impact on the mental health among African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Latino men who have sex with men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(5), pages 868-874.
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    1. Jane Castaneda & Nicanor Poma & Benoit Mougenot & Percy Herrera-Añazco, 2023. "Association between the Expression of Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity and Mental Health Perceptions in the Peruvian LGBTI Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-14, April.

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