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Multiple early victimization experiences as a pathway to explain physical health disparities among sexual minority and heterosexual individuals

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  • Andersen, Judith P.
  • Zou, Christopher
  • Blosnich, John

Abstract

Prior research shows that health disparities exist between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals. We extend the literature by testing if the higher prevalence of childhood victimization experienced by sexual minority individuals accounts for lifetime health disparities. Heterosexual (n = 422) and sexual minority (n = 681) participants were recruited on-line in North America. Respondents completed surveys about their childhood victimization experiences (i.e., maltreatment by adults and peer victimization) and lifetime physician-diagnosed physical health conditions. Results showed that sexual minority individuals experienced higher prevalence of childhood victimization and lifetime physical health problems than heterosexuals. Mediation analyses indicated that maltreatment by adults and peer bullying explained the health disparities between sexual minority individuals and heterosexuals. This study is the first to show that multiple childhood victimization experiences may be one pathway to explain lifetime physical health disparities. Intervention programs reducing the perpetration of violence against sexual minority individuals are critical to reduce health care needs related to victimization experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Andersen, Judith P. & Zou, Christopher & Blosnich, John, 2015. "Multiple early victimization experiences as a pathway to explain physical health disparities among sexual minority and heterosexual individuals," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 111-119.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:133:y:2015:i:c:p:111-119
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Conron, K.J. & Mimiaga, M.J. & Landers, S.J., 2010. "A population-based study of sexual orientation identity and gender differences in adult health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(10), pages 1953-1960.
    2. Remafedi, G. & French, S. & Story, M. & Resnick, M.D. & Blum, R., 1998. "The relationship between suicide risk and sexual orientation: Results of a population-based study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 88(1), pages 57-60.
    3. Raymond Hicks & Dustin Tingley, 2011. "Causal mediation analysis," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 11(4), pages 605-619, December.
    4. Sandfort, T.G.M. & Bakker, F. & Schellevis, F.G. & Vanwesenbeeck, I., 2006. "Sexual orientation and mental and physical health status: Findings from a Dutch population survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(6), pages 1119-1125.
    5. repec:cup:judgdm:v:5:y:2010:i:5:p:411-419 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Friedman, M.S. & Marshal, M.P. & Guadamuz, T.E. & Wei, C. & Wong, C.F. & Saewyc, E.M. & Stall, R., 2011. "A meta-analysis of disparities in childhood sexual abuse, parental physical abuse, and peer victimization among sexual minority and sexual nonminority individuals," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(8), pages 1481-1494.
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    Cited by:

    1. Collins, Timothy W. & Grineski, Sara E. & Morales, Danielle X., 2017. "Environmental injustice and sexual minority health disparities: A national study of inequitable health risks from air pollution among same-sex partners," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 38-47.

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