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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
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Exploring Minority Stress and Resilience in a Polyamorous Sample.
Ryan G Witherspoon1, Peter S Theodore2
1Center for Positive Sexuality, P.O. Box 1190, Burbank, CA, 91507, USA. ryan@ryanwitherspoon.com.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|June 10, 2021
Summary
Polyamorous individuals face minority stress, leading to distress. However, mindfulness can buffer these negative mental health effects, offering a path to resilience for those in consensual non-monogamy (CNM) relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Studies
Background:
- Consensual non-monogamy (CNM), including polyamory, involves multiple consensual romantic relationships.
- Polyamorous individuals experience significant stigma, discrimination, and minority stress due to their relationship structures.
- Minority stress theory suggests this stigma negatively impacts mental health in polyamorous populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate resilience factors that may mitigate the mental health impacts of minority stress in polyamorous adults.
- To examine the roles of mindfulness, cognitive flexibility, positive CNM identity, and community support.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was used with a sample of 1176 American adults practicing polyamory.
- Assessed minority stress, psychological distress (depression, anxiety), mindfulness, cognitive flexibility, CNM identity, and community connection.
Main Results:
- Minority stress was positively associated with increased psychological distress.
- Mindfulness demonstrated both direct and moderating effects, reducing the negative impact of stress.
- Cognitive flexibility showed direct and moderating effects, though not in the predicted direction.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the detrimental effects of anti-CNM stigma on polyamorous individuals' mental health.
- Mindfulness emerges as a key protective factor against minority stress.
- Emphasizes the need for culturally competent clinical approaches for the polyamorous community.
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