Examining the Intersections of Gay Identity, Ethnic Identity, and Spirituality and Their Relationship with Psychological Distress and Internalized Heterosexism

Abstract

Researchers have tested Meyer’s (1995, 2003) minority stress theory and have documented the negative impact that minority stress can have on the psychological well-being for minorities. However, few studies have examined the role of multiple minority identities or the protective factors that may buffer against psychological distress. The present study utilized quantitative methodology to examine minority stress theory in a sample of gay men of color. A paper and pencil self-report survey was provided to 302 voluntary adult Gay men of color in Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The measures gathered information about participant’s gay and ethnic identity salience, spirituality, psychological distress, and internalized heterosexism. The findings of the present study provide support for minority stress theory with gay men of color. Specifically, the findings provide support for the examination of ethnic and gay identity as proximal stressors that contribute to psychological distress and internalized heterosexism. However, the findings do not offer support for the examination of spirituality as a moderator between gay and ethnic identity and psychological distress and internalized heterosexism. The findings from this study fill a gap in the psychological literature by examining minority stress theory in relation to ethnic and gay identity and provide clinical and research implications for work with gay men of color.