Research On The Internalized Homophobia And Protective Factors

As the topic of sexual minorities becomes more and more open,the mental health of sexual minorities has aroused social concern and discussion.The sexual minorities are the general term for homosexuality,bisexuality,transgender,queer,and other non-standard sexual orientations,referred to as LGBT.Compared with the general population,sexual minorities are subject to stigma,prejudice,discrimination,and other pressures.Internalized homonegativity is one of them.Internalized homonegativity refers to the negative attitude towards self sexual orientation through the internalization process of prejudice against the outside world.The research object of this study is homosexuality and bisexuality,and it is planned to explore the current levels of internalized homonegativity and mental health status,as well as coming out,resilience and friend support as the protective effect.The study used an online survey method to publish the questionnaire to the active community of sexual minorities,and help from volunteers.A total of 623 questionnaires were recovered.There are 444 homosexuals,179 bisexuals.Homosexuals including 326 lesbians and 117 gay men.The results found that:(1)In the current sexual minorities,the degree of homosexual and bisexual internalized homonegativity was a littler lower than moderate level;(2)No significant difference between homosexual and bisexual internalized homonegativity level;(3)There is a significant difference between gay and les in the level of internalized homonegativity,gay perceives a higher level than les.Further analysis of sub-dimension found that gay and les have significant differences in internalized heteronormativity(IHN)and socially oriented identity(SOI)dimensions,gay perceives a higher level than les.The difference in family-oriented identity(FOI)dimension is not significant.(4)Coming out plays a moderate effect between internalized homonegativity and self-esteem in homosexuals;(5)Resilience plays an mediate role between internalized homonegativity and meaning of life and self-esteem in homosexuals and bisexuals,friend support plays an mediate role between internalized homonegativity and meaning of life and self-esteem in homosexuals.This study analyzed and discussed the current level of internalized homonegativity among homosexual and bisexual people and the variables that play a protective role in mental health,which is of great significance for understanding thecurrent status of sexual minorities and promoting their mental health.