Factors Associated with Physical and Mental Health in a Sample of Queer and Heterosexual MSW Students

This study examined factors associated with the physical and mental health of Queer and heterosexual Master of Social Work (MSW) students, with emphasis on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs), aggression, and Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence (PESV).

A nationwide survey of MSW students (N = 480) assessed demographics, childhood experiences, health histories, and current well-being. Independent t-tests, chi-square analyses, correlations, and logistic regressions were used to compare Queer (n = 264) and heterosexual (n = 216) participants.

Queer students reported significantly higher ACEs (abuse, neglect, total) and PESV, along with fewer PACEs, compared to heterosexual peers. They were more likely to report a family history of mental illness, to have sought mental health treatment, and to rate their physical health as fair or poor. Logistic regression showed that higher ACEs and prior mental health treatment predicted poorer physical health, while more PACEs were protective. Poorer physical health, family history of mental illness, and Queer identity were predictors of mental health treatment-seeking.

Findings highlight the compounded impact of childhood adversity, identity-related stigma, and family mental health history on Queer MSW students. While PACEs provide some buffering effects, they may not fully offset the heightened risks associated with discrimination and early-life adversity.

Queer MSW students experience disproportionate burdens in both physical and mental health. These results underscore the importance of trauma-informed, identity-affirming supports in graduate social work education to address disparities and promote student well-being.