Affect regulation in the context of sexual and gender minority stress: A scoping review protocol

PLoS ONE · 2026-01-05

OBJECTIVE: To provide a broad, comprehensive picture of affect regulation in the context of sexual and gender minority stress, this scoping review aims to identify and synthesize methods, methodologies, and available evidence pertinent to emotion regulation and coping in the context of minority stress among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. INTRODUCTION: SGM people face disproportionately high rates of mental health problems due to experiences of minority stress and lack of social safety. Theories and growing evidence suggest that affect regulation plays a critical role in SGM people's well-being in the face of minority stress. Researchers have largely studied emotion regulation, coping, and minority stress in distinct literatures; as such, there is a critical need to synthesize evidence across these bodies of research. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We will review empirical studies that (1) included SGM people, (2) measured at least one affect regulation construct, and (3) studied affect regulation in the context of sexual or gender minority stress. METHODS: Published and unpublished (i.e., grey literature) empirical studies written in English (no restrictions on publication date) will be searched using the following databases: PsycINFO (via EBSCO), Web of Science Core Collection (via Clarivate), PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Gender Studies Database (via EBSCO), Sociological Abstracts (via ProQuest), and SocIndex with Full Text (via EBSCO). Grey literature will be identified through searching on additional repositories and databases and emailing listservs of relevant organizations. Potentially relevant papers will first be screened based on title and abstract, followed by full-text screening, against inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Data on study characteristics and findings relevant to the review will be extracted by two independent reviewers. Descriptive data relevant to each research question will be presented in tabular format, followed by a narrative summary of main findings, research gaps, and areas for future research.

Does sociodemographic disadvantage moderate the impact of motherwise? Findings from a randomized controlled trial.

Journal of Family Psychology · 2025-10-16

= 437). Most participants identified as Hispanic (66%), had accessed government benefits recently (73%), and were partnered (85%). Sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, education, public assistance use, employment status, having children from previous relationships, and history of incarceration) were examined individually and as a cumulative index. Relationship skills (i.e., romantic relationship and conflict management skills), attitudes (i.e., disapproval of relationship violence), negative communication, and depressive symptoms were assessed at enrollment and 1 year and 2.5 years postenrollment. Multilevel models were conducted. MotherWise demonstrated positive long-term effects on relationship skills and attitudes, with no effects on negative communication or depression at these time points. Overall, there was no evidence of differential program effects across individual or cumulative sociodemographic risks. However, greater cumulative risk and some risks measured individually-especially incarceration history-were associated with lower baseline scores for skills and attitudes and higher baseline scores for negative communication and depression, suggesting greater needs among these individuals. Although MotherWise led to better outcomes for participants with varying risk factors, additional modifications or adaptations may be necessary to achieve equitable outcomes, ensuring all participants reach similar postprogram levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Tailoring an Evidence-Based Relationship Education Program for Latino Sexual Minority Men Through Community Engagement and Input

Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy · 2025-07-09 · 1 citations

Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) experience sexual and mental health disparities relative to heterosexual men and, in some cases, White sexual minority men. These may be partially addressable through enhancing LSMM's romantic and sexual relationship skills. However, there have been no adapted relationship education programs for LSMM. The aim of the current study was to use community input to identify needed adaptations to an evidence-based relationship education program (Within My Reach) to make it culturally-grounded for LSMM. We first conducted a "theater test" to provide training in the original curriculum to eight LSMM in South Florida. We also conducted two focus groups with topical experts. We elicited feedback about curriculum content to add, re-frame, or remove and used rapid qualitative analysis to distill themes and responsive adaptations. The data converged into four themes: (1) navigating Latino culture as a sexual minority man, (2) traversing sexual minority developmental experiences within Latino culture, (3) centering sex and sexual health, and (4) infusing strengths and optimism. Participants voiced a need for this type of tailored relationship skills program for LSMM. Findings point to key intersectional themes to incorporate when adapting relationship-focused programs for LSMM, which may also be translatable to other types of sexual and behavioral health interventions for LSMM.

Adolescent Sexual Minority Males Engage in Sexual Behaviors With Both Male and Female Partners: Implications for HIV Prevention

AIDS Education and Prevention · 2025-12-01

Adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are substantially burdened by HIV in the United States. HIV prevention efforts targeting ASMM have primarily focused on male-male sexual contact, often ignoring male-female sexual behaviors. The objective of this study was to explore the sexual behaviors of ASMM with male and female partners among the baseline sample of an online sexual health pilot study (N = 118, ages 14-17 years). We report frequencies of sexual behaviors by partner sex. Almost half of the participants (47%) engaged in sexual activity with female partners in the past 3 months. Frequency of sexual behaviors, condom use, and future intentions to have sex and use condoms varied by partner sex. HIV prevention efforts should address the full range of sexual behaviors ASMM may engage in with both male and female partners. Focusing only on male-male sex among ASMM fails to address the breadth of ASMM's HIV prevention needs.

Affect regulation in the context of sexual and gender minority stress: A scoping review protocol

medRxiv · 2025-08-16

Abstract Objective To provide a broad, comprehensive picture of affect regulation in the context of sexual and gender minority stress, this scoping review aims to identify and synthesize methods, methodologies, and available evidence pertinent to emotion regulation and coping in the context of minority stress among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Introduction SGM people face disproportionately high rates of mental health problems due to experiences of minority stress and lack of social safety. Theories and growing evidence suggest that affect regulation plays a critical role in SGM people’s well-being in the face of minority stress. Researchers have largely studied emotion regulation, coping, and minority stress in distinct literatures, signaling a critical need to synthesize evidence across these bodies of research. Inclusion criteria We will review empirical studies that (1) include sexual and gender minority people, (2) measured at least one affect regulation construct, and (3) studied affect regulation in the context of sexual or gender minority stress. Methods Published and unpublished (i.e., grey literature) empirical studies written in English (no restrictions on publication date) will be searched using the following databases: PsycINFO (via EBSCO), Web of Science Core Collection (via Clarivate), PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Gender Studies Database (via EBSCO), Sociological Abstracts (via ProQuest), and SocIndex with Full Text (via EBSCO). Grey literature will be additionally identified through searching on additional repositories and databases and emailing listservs of relevant organizations. Potentially relevant papers will first be screened based on title and abstract, followed by full-text screening, against inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Data on study characteristics and findings relevant to the review will be extracted by two independent reviewers. Frequency data relevant to each research question will be presented in tabular format, followed by a narrative summary of main findings, research gaps, and areas for future research.

Virtual versus in-person ROSE program (La Luz) as universal prevention for perinatal depression: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial in a safety net hospital

Contemporary Clinical Trials · 2025-06-15 · 1 citations

Perinatal depression disproportionally affects underserved communities, who need effective and accessible prevention programs. Reach Out, Stay strong, Essentials for new mothers (ROSE) has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing postpartum depression in underserved populations when delivered in person. This ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) tests the novel virtual implementation of ROSE as universal prevention in a Federally Qualified Health Center setting. We adopted the name, La Luz, for ROSE to be culturally relevant to our population. Pregnant individuals <30 gestational weeks (target N = 900) are randomized to either the virtual or in-person La Luz program, which consists of four 90-min group sessions. Groups are offered in English and Spanish, based on participants' preference. Participants complete surveys at seven timepoints: before program, 28 gestational weeks, 35 gestational weeks, and 6-weeks, 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months postpartum. Primary outcomes are postpartum depression severity measured by the 20-item Symptom Checklist (SCL-20) and 10-item Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). We will perform intent-to-treat analysis to test whether virtual La Luz is non-inferior to in-person La Luz. This study also evaluates implementation process and outcomes of both modalities of La Luz to inform the development of an implementation toolkit. This RCT contributes to our knowledge of perinatal depression prevention and addresses access barriers for underserved populations. If effectiveness of virtual La Luz is demonstrated, the new evidence for a scalable low-cost prevention can be used to reduce perinatal depression and offer accessible treatment options for people who face significant barriers to care. Clinicaltrials.gov registration identifier: NCT05766475.

Sexual minority stressors and disordered eating behaviors in daily life: a daily diary study of sexual minority cisgender female couples

Eating Disorders · 2025-01-02 · 2 citations

Young cisgender sexual minority women (e.g. lesbian, queer) in the U.S. are at risk for disordered eating behaviors (DEB). Minority stress theory proposes sexual minority stressors (SMS; e.g. discrimination) related to marginalized statuses are culturally specific stressors that may explain engagement in these behaviors. However, little is known about daily SMS-DEB associations. We conducted a 14-day daily diary study of 321 U.S.-based sexual minority cisgender women ages 19-35 who were in a relationship with a woman. SMS were assessed using an 8-item daily measure of distal SMS (e.g. heard anti-LGBT talk, verbal harassment), and DEB with single items capturing dietary restraint, overeating, loss of control eating, and emotional eating. Multi-level models revealed on days when women experienced SMS, they were more likely to report dietary restraint and emotional eating, but not overeating or loss of control eating. Women who generally reported more frequent SMS were more likely to report all four DEB. There were no significant couple-level SMS-DEB associations. These findings expand our understanding of how SMS is associated with DEB in the daily lives of cisgender sexual minority women. Future studies are needed to explore the temporal sequencing of the associations. Findings may also help to inform the design of culturally tailored interventions aimed at reducing DEB among sexual minority women.

Virtual Versus In-Person Rose Program (La Luz) as Universal Prevention for Perinatal Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial in a Safety Net Hospital

SSRN Electronic Journal · 2025-01-01

Mental health and substance use shape the processes of romantic relationship formation for same-gender couples.

Journal of Family Psychology · 2025-08-21

Bidirectional links between mental health and substance use and romantic relationship dynamics are well-established, though most of this research has focused on different-gender (presumed heterosexual) couples in established, committed relationships or marriages. Given the high prevalence of mental health and substance use disparities among sexual minority adults, more research is needed on how these factors might influence them and not just in committed relationships, but early romantic relationship development, a time that can be especially turbulent for all couples. The present study used qualitative data from 60 cisgender, same-gender couples (50% female) collected during a semistructured conversation couples had regarding their relationship formation and early history. Applied content analysis was used to explore the role of mental health and substance use on couples' relationship formation and early functioning. Primary themes included the role of alcohol and substance use in accelerating relationship development, perception of partners as a mental health support promoting relationship formation, and associations between partner's psychological distress and early relationship distress and instability. More female couples than male couples described their poor mental health at relationship initiation as both promoting relationship involvement and exacerbating conflict. These findings highlight the relevance of mental health and substance use problems for same-gender couples' early romantic relationship development given the mental health disparities they face. Future research will be needed to explore if findings generalize to other types of sexual and gender minority couples and heterosexual couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Cardiovascular and Cortisol Responses to Experimentally-Induced Minority Stress

UNC Libraries · 2025-06-21

OBJECTIVE: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals who report greater minority stress (e.g., discrimination) are at an elevated risk for multiple health problems. However, few studies have examined physiological mechanisms that might link minority stress to health. This study tested how cardiovascular and cortisol responses to a laboratory-induced social stressor differed when that stressor contained an additional minority stress component. METHOD: LGB adults (n = 141; 51% male, 49% female) participated in a social stress task in which they were interviewed by a prerecorded confederate. Participants were randomized to receive information that their interviewer held either antigay or progay social/political beliefs. Cardiovascular reactivity and salivary cortisol were assessed at baseline, during the task, and during recovery. RESULTS: All participants experienced significant task-related increases in heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). However, participants in the antigay condition had greater increases in HR and SBP during the task and smaller decreases in SBP during recovery. Salivary cortisol increased significantly only in the antigay condition. High frequency heart rate variability (hfHRV) was constant throughout the stress task for participants in the progay condition but decreased significantly during the task for participants in the antigay condition. CONCLUSIONS: Minority stress has the potential to affect LGB individuals' health through cardiovascular and endocrine mechanisms. Moreover, its physiological signature may differ from other social stress in ways that have implications for health and emotion regulation more broadly.&nbsp;