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Elevated risk of posttraumatic stress in sexual minority Youths: Mediation by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity

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  • Roberts, A.L.
  • Rosario, M.
  • Corliss, H.L.
  • Koenen, K.C.
  • Austin, S.B.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined whether lifetime risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was elevated in sexual minority versus heterosexual youths, whether childhood abuse accounted for disparities in PTSD, and whether childhood gender nonconformity explained sexual-orientation disparities in abuse and subsequent PTSD. Methods. We used data from a population-based study (n = 9369, mean age = 22.7 years) to estimate risk ratios for PTSD. We calculated the percentage of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity, and the percentage of abuse disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by gender nonconformity. Results. Sexual minorities had between 1.6 and 3.9 times greater risk of probable PTSD than heterosexuals. Child abuse victimization disparities accounted for one third to one half of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation. Higher prevalence of gender nonconformity before age 11 years partly accounted for higher prevalence of abuse exposure before age 11 years and PTSD by early adulthood in sexual minorities (range = 5.2%-33.2%). Conclusions. Clinicians, teachers, and others who work with youths should consider abuse prevention and treatment measures for gender-nonconforming children and sexual minority youths.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberts, A.L. & Rosario, M. & Corliss, H.L. & Koenen, K.C. & Austin, S.B., 2012. "Elevated risk of posttraumatic stress in sexual minority Youths: Mediation by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(8), pages 1587-1593.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2011.300530_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300530
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    Cited by:

    1. Elizabeth J. Ela & Jamie Budnick, 2017. "Non-Heterosexuality, Relationships, and Young Women’s Contraceptive Behavior," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 54(3), pages 887-909, June.
    2. Ugueto, Ana M. & Lucassen, Mathijs F.G., 2022. "Differences in suicidality and psychological symptoms between sexual and gender minority youth compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth in a psychiatric hospital," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    3. Gatwiri, Kathomi & Cameron, Nadine & McPherson, Lynne & Mitchell, Janise, 2022. "Care experienced LGBTQA + young people in out-of-home care in Australia: A case study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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