Citation

Balsam KF, Beauchaine TP, Mickey RM, Rothblum ED. J. Abnorm. Psychol. 2005; 114(3): 471-476.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0021-843X.114.3.471

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Self-identified lesbian, gay male, and bisexual (LGB) individuals were recruited via convenience sampling, and they in turn recruited their siblings (79% heterosexual, 19% LGB). The resulting sample of 533 heterosexual, 558 lesbian or gay male, and 163 bisexual participants was compared on mental health variables and their use of mental health services. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that sexual orientation predicted suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, self-injurious behavior, use of psychotherapy, and use of psychiatric medications over and above the effects of family adjustment. Sexual orientation was unrelated to current psychological distress, psychiatric hospitalizations, and self-esteem. This is the 1st study to model family effects on the mental health of LGB participants and their siblings. Copyright 2005 by the American Psychological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; gender; mental health; suicide; female; male; family; psychotherapy; Mental health; sampling; drug use; suicide attempt; hospitalization; prediction; Bisexual; Gay; Lesbian; article; major clinical study; heterosexuality; sexual orientation; normal human; distress syndrome; automutilation; bisexuality; mental health service; sibling; psychotropic agent; mental hospital; self esteem; model; adjustment; data analysis; health care utilization; lesbian; Sexual orientation