What is it about?
This study demonstrates that positivity—an inclination to view oneself, one’s life, and one’s future in a generally positive way—can help moderate the link between enacted stigma (such as discrimination, victimization, and verbal or physical oppression) and adverse mental health outcomes (including depression, anxiety, and negative emotions) among sexual minority individuals.
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Why is it important?
The findings highlight the importance for mental health professionals to understand the harmful effects of enacted stigma. They also suggest that incorporating positivity assessments (and potentially interventions to boost positivity) could be beneficial when working with sexual minority individuals.
Perspectives
Despite global efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against sexual minority individuals, these issues persist. The current study emphasizes the need for clinicians to deepen their understanding of protective factors that can help mitigate the negative mental health effects of enacted stigma experienced by sexual minority individuals.
Geva Shenkman
Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Positivity as a moderator of the association between enacted stigma and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals., American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, October 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/ort0000805.
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