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LGBTQ+ Media Exposure Frequency: Relations with Mental Health and Life Satisfaction
Edson Felipe Vieira Silva1, Isabella Leandra Silva Santos1, Carlos Eduardo Pimentel1
1Post Graduate Program in Social Psychology, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
Journal of Homosexuality
|June 17, 2025
Summary
Positive LGBTQ+ media exposure reduces psychological distress for sexual minorities. Negative representation, however, increases stress for both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual individuals, highlighting the impact of media portrayals on mental health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Media representation significantly influences societal perceptions and individual well-being.
- Understanding the impact of LGBTQ+ media portrayals on mental health is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has not fully differentiated the effects of positive versus negative media representations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the frequency of LGBTQ+ media exposure and psychological distress (anxiety, depression, stress) and life satisfaction.
- To compare these effects across LGBTQ+ and heterosexual populations.
- To analyze the differential impact of positive and negative media representations.
Main Methods:
- Online survey conducted in 2023 with 722 Brazilian participants.
- Sample comprised 59.4% LGBTQ+ individuals and 40.6% heterosexual individuals.
- Statistical analysis to examine correlations between media exposure, psychological distress, and life satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Frequent consumption of positive LGBTQ+ media was associated with lower psychological distress among LGBTQ+ participants.
- Negative media representation correlated with increased stress in both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual participants.
- Both direct and indirect associations were found between media representation and life satisfaction in LGBTQ+ individuals.
Conclusions:
- The nature of media representation (positive vs. negative) critically impacts mental health outcomes.
- Positive media portrayals can mitigate psychological distress and enhance life satisfaction for sexual minorities.
- Public health campaigns targeting sexual minorities should leverage positive media representation to foster mental well-being.
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