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Pervasive trauma exposure among US sexual orientation minority adults and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder

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  • Roberts, A.L.
  • Austin, S.B.
  • Corliss, H.L.
  • Vandermorris, A.K.
  • Koenen, K.C.

Abstract

Objectives.We assessed sexual orientation disparities in exposure to violence and other potentially traumatic events and onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a representative US sample. Methods. We used data from 34653 noninstitutionalized adult US residents fromthe 2004 to 2005wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Results. Lesbians and gay men, bisexuals, and heterosexuals who reported any same-sex sexual partners over their lifetime had greater risk of childhood maltreatment, interpersonal violence, trauma to a close friend or relative, and unexpected death of someone close than did heterosexuals with no same-sex attractions or partners. Risk of onset of PTSD was higher among lesbians and gays (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.03; 95% con?dence interval [CI]=1.34, 3.06), bisexuals (AOR=2.13; 95% CI=1.38, 3.29), and heterosexuals with any same-sex partners (AOR=2.06; 95% CI=1.54, 2.74) than it was among the heterosexual reference group. This higher risk was largely accounted for by sexual orientation minorities' greater exposure to violence, exposure to more potentially traumatic events, and earlier age of trauma exposure. Conclusions. Profound sexual orientation disparities exist in risk of PTSD and in violence exposure, beginning in childhood. Our ?ndings suggest there is an urgent need for public health interventions aimed at preventing violence against individuals with minority sexual orientations and providing follow-up care to cope with the sequelae of violent victimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberts, A.L. & Austin, S.B. & Corliss, H.L. & Vandermorris, A.K. & Koenen, K.C., 2010. "Pervasive trauma exposure among US sexual orientation minority adults and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2433-2441.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2009.168971_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.168971
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    Cited by:

    1. Jeremy T. Goldbach & Sheree M. Schrager & Mary Rose Mamey & Cary Klemmer & Ian W. Holloway & Carl A. Castro, 2023. "Development and Validation of the Military Minority Stress Scale," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Seng, Julia S. & Lopez, William D. & Sperlich, Mickey & Hamama, Lydia & Reed Meldrum, Caroline D., 2012. "Marginalized identities, discrimination burden, and mental health: Empirical exploration of an interpersonal-level approach to modeling intersectionality," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(12), pages 2437-2445.
    3. Claudia Zavala & Lea Waters, 2021. "Coming Out as LGBTQ +: The Role Strength-Based Parenting on Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1359-1383, March.
    4. Judith P Andersen & Tonda L Hughes & Christopher Zou & Sharon C Wilsnack, 2014. "Lifetime Victimization and Physical Health Outcomes among Lesbian and Heterosexual Women," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(7), pages 1-9, July.
    5. Hanna Vseviov & Allan Puur & Mark Gortfelder, 2023. "Fertility Intentions and Sexual Orientation: Evidence from the 2020 Youth Survey in Estonia," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(2), pages 1-26, April.
    6. Logie, Carmen H. & Newman, Peter A. & Chakrapani, Venkatesan & Shunmugam, Murali, 2012. "Adapting the minority stress model: Associations between gender non-conformity stigma, HIV-related stigma and depression among men who have sex with men in South India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(8), pages 1261-1268.

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