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Health and relationship quality of sexual minorities in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Berlingieri

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC))

  • Matija Kovacic

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
    Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
    Global Labor Organization (GLO))

Abstract

A growing body of literature investigates inequalities between sexual minorities and their heterosexual peers. This paper deals with disparities in health, health-related behaviours, and relationship quality among LGB+ individuals. We use a novel data set that allows for a wide cross-national analysis (27 EU member states) of disparities between sexual minorities and the rest of the population, as well as differences in reporting sexual orientation. We consider a rich set of social stressors, individual-specific behavioural factors, and health outcomes, as well as novel para-data (i.e., individuals’ response times) that are not available in other large surveys. The results indicate that sexual minorities are more exposed to stigma-related social stressors (both in childhood and adulthood), report worse physical and mental health conditions, feel more lonely, and are more likely to engage in coping strategies aimed at reducing or adapting to stressful conditions. Some of these findings significantly differ across gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals and with respect to household income, the country’s enforcement of sexual minorities’ rights, and relationship status.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Berlingieri & Matija Kovacic, 2025. "Health and relationship quality of sexual minorities in Europe," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 38(1), pages 1-39, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:38:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00148-025-01077-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-025-01077-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    LGB+; Social stressors; Behavioural risks; Health; Loneliness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K38 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Human Rights Law; Gender Law; Animal Rights Law

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