Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Outcomes and Resilience among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals

Abstract

Record ID: 206

Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication

Program Affiliation:  McNair Scholars Program

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: In the general population people of color (POC) usually have lower levels of depression and anxiety, than their White counterparts. This is called the racial paradox because POC experience higher levels of discrimination and racism. Sexual gender minorities (SGM) have multiple marginalized identities, this might lead to worsen negative health outcomes, also known as double jeopardy. This study investigates that 1) SGM-AFAB individuals who are POC will report better mental health outcomes than those who identify as White and 2) racial differences in resilience will be explained by racial differences in resilience, due to having earlier exposure to discrimination. A total of 388 SGM-AFAB participants (43.0% African American, 26.8% Latine, 30.92% White) reported on anxiety, depression and resilience levels. ANOVA results were conclusive with hypothesis 1, as POC SGM-AFAB participants had lower scores of depression compared to their White counterparts. Specifically, Black SGMs had significantly lower scores of depression in comparison to White SMGs. Black and Latine participants had lower anxiety scores compared to White participants. Black participants had significantly lower anxiety compared to both Latine and White participants. In partial alignment with hypothesis 2, Black participants had significantly higher resilience scores than Latine and White participants. ANCOVA results indicate that resilience does account for depression levels between Black and White participants. Additionally, resilience does account for anxiety levels between Black and Latine participants, but not Black and White participants. Results indicate how Black SGM individuals may have earlier exposure to resilience to combat negative mental health outcomes.