Sexuality Minority Status, Victimization, Mental Health, and Substance Use.

Background

Prior research suggests that sexual minority status is related to victimization, mental health issues, and substance use. However, few studies have sought to connect these relationships in a way supported by theory, and fewer have utilized probability and/or nationally representative samples.

Objective

The current study seeks to test the relationships among these variables, guided by general strain theory (GST).

Methods

One wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health dataset (Add Health) (N = 14,121) and path modeling in Mplus are utilized.

Results

Models run separately by race/ethnicity suggest that the relationship among these variables largely support expectations from GST, but with some notable differences by race/ethnicity.

Conclusion

Results suggest a relationship among these variables that concurs with criminological theorizing. Implications and limitations are discussed.