Minority stress and structural stigma predict well-being in European LGBTQ+ parents

Abstract

Objective

This study tested whether exposure to minority stress and structural stigma across multiple levels of the family system were associated with two indicators of well-being (life satisfaction, depressive symptoms) in LGBTQ+ parents across 19 European countries.

Background

Minority stress (i.e., identity-based stress resulting from systemic oppression) and structural stigma (i.e., hostile legal environments, prejudicial social attitudes) are heterogeneous, yet well-documented risk factors of reduced well-being within LGBTQ+ populations. However, a comprehensive assessment stratifying both concepts across multiple levels of the family system (i.e., the individual, couple, and family level) is lacking for LGBTQ+ parents.

Method

Using data from the EU LGBTI Survey 2019, a sample of 3808 LGBTQ+ parents from 19 European countries was analyzed. Associations between self-reported minority stress indicators, objective structural stigma indicators, sociodemographic predictors, and well-being were tested using non-linear, machine learning-based techniques (gradient boosted decision tree models).

Results

Supporting preregistered hypotheses, exposure to individual-level minority stress and individual- and family-level structural stigma predicted life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Couple-level minority stress predicted life satisfaction, but not depressive symptoms, and family-level minority stress predicted neither. Trans parents and those facing economic burdens were particularly vulnerable to low well-being.

Conclusions

Exposure to minority stress and structural stigma, particularly within highly stigmatizing regions, are risk factors for LGBTQ+ parents' well-being. Future research should examine the role of family-level minority stress using validated measures.