(PS6-50) The Impact of Identity Certainty on Homonegativity and Depression Across Sexual Orientations and Behaviors

Abstract Text: Introduction

Previous research has revealed that identity certainty in LGBTQ individuals (sexual minorities; SM) is a protective factor against the negative impact of minority stress and promotes increased positive emotionality (Pistella et al., 2023). Additional findings suggest that SM individuals that are not out or open with their own sexuality are more likely to experienced internalized homonegativity, which has been found to be linked to several negative mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety (Walch et al., 2016). This study aimed to differentiate homonegativity levels and depression symptoms amongst three groups: SM individuals, straight individuals whose sexual attraction and behavior is congruent with their identity (congruent straight; CS), and individuals that self-identify as straight but report experiencing attraction to or engaging in sexual behaviors with people of the same gender (incongruent straight; IS).

Method

The study utilized data from a larger project that included adults (18+) recruited from online social media groups and undergraduate psychology courses at a midwestern university. Participants self-identified their sexual orientation and were also asked about same-gender sexual attraction or sexual activity in the previous year. A total of 340 self-identified on the sexual minority (SM) spectrum (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual), 133 identified as straight and likewise reported no same-gender sexual attraction or behavior in the last year (CS), and 37 identified as straight but reported same-gender sexual attraction or behavior in the last year (IS).

Results

A one-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc testing was conducted to compare the means of the three sexual orientation alignment groups on internalized homophobia. The difference between the groups was significant, F(2, 435) = 8.99, p < .001, η2 = .04. However, only the SM group (M=1.61) and CS (M=1.81) differed in terms of homophobia, with the IS (M=1.70) falling between the two and not significantly differing from either.
The same set of analyses were done with depression. Similarly, the difference between the groups was significant, F(2, 443) = 7.04, p < .001, η2 = .03, with only the SM group (M = .84) and CS (M = .54) differing significantly, with the IS (M = .75) falling in between.

Discussion

The results indicate that sexual minority individuals experience the least homonegativity but also highest level of depression, which is consistent with previous research. In contrast, the straight individuals reporting no same-gender attraction or behavior experienced the most homonegativity and the lowest level of depression. The incongruent straight group was found to have higher levels of homophobia than the SM group and higher levels of depression than the CS group, however, they did not differ significantly from either group. Further research in IS individuals would provide more information relevant to clinicians.
This study has limitations, including a small sample size for the incongruent straight group. Additionally, recruitment primarily occurred in LGBTQ-friendly or ally online groups, likely resulting in reduced homophobia compared to what would be expected in the general population.