An analysis of the relationship between multiple stigmatized identities and mental health, and the influence of employment.

Abstract

Research has emphasized the relationship between having a stigmatized identity and mental health. In this study minority stress theory is used to explain why men with two stigmatized identities will have a worse mental health than men with one or no stigmatized identities. It was also examined if employment has a buffering effect on the relationship between having multiple stigmatized identities and mental health. Analysis was conducted in the USA on 63849 men who were either gay/bisexual or straight, and either white, black, Asian or Hispanic. Regression showed that 1) gay or bisexual men have a worse mental health than straight men, 2) white men have a worse mental health than the other ethnicities, 3) gay or bisexual white men have a worse mental health than all other identities combinations, and 4) employment works as a negative buffer for all groups except for gay or bisexual Asian men, for whom it is a positive buffer. Implications of these results are discussed.