Factors Associated with Intraminority Gay Community Stress and Sexual Minority Stress among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

Factors Associated with Intraminority Gay Community Stress and Sexual Minority Stress among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan

Background: Both intraminority gay community stress and sexual minority stress are major stressors for gay and bisexual men (GBM) and threaten their mental health. In the current study, we intended to investigate the factors associated with perceived intraminority gay community stress and sexual minority stress in GBM in Taiwan. Methods: We included 736 GBM who participated in this study, assessing their perceived intraminority gay community stress, familial sexual stigma, and internalized sexual stigma. With linear regression analysis models, we assessed the associations of the participants’sociodemographic characteristics, human immunodeficiency virus infection status, body mass index, sexuality and gender role characteristics, and perceived levels of support from family and friends with intraminority gay community stress and sexual minority stress. Results: Low self-rated muscularity (p < 0.001) and a low level of perceived family support (p < 0.01) were significantly associated with intraminority gay community stress. Being bisexual (p < 0.001) and having a low level of perceived friend support (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with sexual minority stress. Conclusion: Factors that were associated with these two stressors differ. Intervention strategies for reducing the negative influences of these two forms of stress on GBM should be developed with consideration of individual and environmental factors.