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Stress and mental health among midlife and older gay-identified men

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  • Wight, R.G.
  • LeBlanc, A.J.
  • De Vries, B.
  • Detels, R.

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated associations between stress and mental health (positive affect, depressive symptoms) among HIV-negative and HIV-positive midlife and older gay-identified men, along with the mediating and moderating effects of mastery and emotional support. We also studied the mental health effects of same-sex marriage. Methods: We obtained data from self-administered questionnaires completed in 2009 or 2010 by a subsample (n=202; average age=56.91 years; age range=44-75 years) of participants in the University of California, Los Angeles component of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, one of the largest and longestrunning natural-history studies of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Results: Both sexual minority stress (perceived gay-related stigma, excessive HIV bereavements) and aging-related stress (independence and fiscal concerns) appeared to have been detrimental to mental health. Sense of mastery partially mediated these associations. Being legally married was significantly protective net of all covariates, including having a domestic partner but not being married. Education, HIV status, and race/ethnicity had no significant effects. Conclusions: Sexual minority and aging-related stress significantly affected the emotional lives of these men. Personal sense of mastery may help to sustain them as they age. We observed specific mental health benefits of samesex legal marriage.

Suggested Citation

  • Wight, R.G. & LeBlanc, A.J. & De Vries, B. & Detels, R., 2012. "Stress and mental health among midlife and older gay-identified men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(3), pages 503-510.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2011.300384_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300384
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    Cited by:

    1. Omer Sagie, 2015. "Predictors of Well-being Among Older Gays and Lesbians," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 120(3), pages 859-870, February.
    2. Griff Tester & Eric R. Wright, 2017. "Older Gay Men and Their Support Convoys," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(3), pages 488-497.
    3. Joseph Slimowicz & Jedidiah Siev & Paula M. Brochu, 2020. "Impact of Status-Based Rejection Sensitivity on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Gay Men," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-10, February.
    4. Omer Sagie, 2016. "Well-Being in Older Gays and Lesbians: A Comparison of Predictors," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 126(1), pages 395-409, March.
    5. Wight, Richard G. & LeBlanc, Allen J. & Meyer, Ilan H. & Harig, Frederick A., 2015. "Internalized gay ageism, mattering, and depressive symptoms among midlife and older gay-identified men," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 200-208.

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