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Perceived Discrimination and Social Relationship Functioning among Sexual Minorities: Structural Stigma as a
David Matthew Doyle1, Lisa Molix1
1Tulane University.
Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy : ASAP
|January 26, 2016
Summary
Public policy, or structural stigma, worsens the impact of discrimination on sexual minorities
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Public Health Policy
- Sociology
Background:
- Structural stigma, influenced by public policy, impacts health outcomes for devalued groups.
- Sexual minorities experience negative health outcomes linked to discrimination.
- Previous research highlights the effects of discrimination on social functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate structural stigma as a moderator of the relationship between perceived discrimination and social relationship functioning among sexual minorities.
- To examine how state-level policies affect the association between discrimination and social support.
- To understand the role of public policy in the well-being of sexual minority individuals.
Main Methods:
- Two cross-sectional studies (online and community samples) of sexual minority adults in the U.S.
- Structural stigma coded from state-level policies on sexual minority rights.
- Multilevel models used to test moderation hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Structural stigma significantly moderated the association between perceived discrimination and social relationship functioning.
- Increased structural stigma amplified negative effects of discrimination on friendship strain and loneliness (Study 1) and familial strain (Study 2).
- Conservatism emerged as a moderator in Study 2, suggesting complex policy influences.
Conclusions:
- State policies reflecting structural stigma exacerbate the negative impact of discrimination on sexual minorities' social relationships.
- Public policy plays a critical role in shaping the lived experiences and well-being of sexual minorities.
- Findings underscore the need for policy changes to mitigate discrimination's harmful effects.
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