Internalized homonegativity, sense of belonging, and depressive symptoms among Australian gay men

Kenneth Davidson, Suzanne McLaren, Megan Jenkins, Denise Corboy, Petah M. Gibbs, Mari Molloy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Internalized homonegativity has been directly linked to depression among gay men. The aim of the study was to test whether internalized homonegativity is indirectly related to depressive symptoms via a sense of belonging to the broad gay community, gay groups, gay friends, and the general community. A sample of 246 self-identified Australian gay men, aged 18–82 years, completed the Internalized Homophobia Scale, the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Sense of Belonging Within Gay Communities Scale, and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results indicated that the final model was an excellent fit to the data. Internalized homonegativity was indirectly related to depressive symptoms via sense of belonging to gay groups, with gay friends, and to the general community. Interventions aimed at reducing internalized homonegativity among gay men have the potential to enhance sense of belonging and, in turn, decrease depressive symptoms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)450-465
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Homosexuality
Volume64
Issue number4
Early online date15 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Mar 2017

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