Exploring the association between minority identities and sexual well-being
Start Date
1-8-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
1-8-2024 1:15 PM
Location
ALT 208
Abstract
Sexual wellbeing (SWB) includes a number of distinct components, e.g., physiological arousal (lubrication/erection) and emotional distress regarding sexual difficulties (satisfaction). Previous research suggests that sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and ethnic identity minorities tend to report worse SWB. However, past research has not consistently differentiated between different aspects of SWB and as such, we do not know which aspects of SWB are most strongly associated with minority identity.
In a set of exploratory analyses, the researchers tested which aspects of SWB is most strongly associated with aspects of minority status. For example, is identifying as a SGM a stronger risk factor for physiological arousal or emotional wellbeing? Analyses were run in multiple ways, for example, coding predictors into dichotomies of majority/minority groups (e.g., white vs. non-white) vs. categorizing variable (including each reported ethnicity).
Results suggested that 1) the effects of ethnicity were null, and 2) identifying as SGM were associated with worse scores of aspects of SWB. Follow-up analyses suggests that those with the worse scores were generally those identifying as other or bisexual (not homosexual). Results are consistent with research on bisexuality, where individuals can be doubly stigmatized, by both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities. To understand the impact of identity on SWB, it is important for future research to include nuanced assessment of sexual orientation.
The main undergraduate assistant, in collaboration with both another lab member and the main investigator, conducted a literature review, proposed the hypotheses, preregistered the project on Open Science Framework, and ran analyses.
Exploring the association between minority identities and sexual well-being
ALT 208
Sexual wellbeing (SWB) includes a number of distinct components, e.g., physiological arousal (lubrication/erection) and emotional distress regarding sexual difficulties (satisfaction). Previous research suggests that sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and ethnic identity minorities tend to report worse SWB. However, past research has not consistently differentiated between different aspects of SWB and as such, we do not know which aspects of SWB are most strongly associated with minority identity.
In a set of exploratory analyses, the researchers tested which aspects of SWB is most strongly associated with aspects of minority status. For example, is identifying as a SGM a stronger risk factor for physiological arousal or emotional wellbeing? Analyses were run in multiple ways, for example, coding predictors into dichotomies of majority/minority groups (e.g., white vs. non-white) vs. categorizing variable (including each reported ethnicity).
Results suggested that 1) the effects of ethnicity were null, and 2) identifying as SGM were associated with worse scores of aspects of SWB. Follow-up analyses suggests that those with the worse scores were generally those identifying as other or bisexual (not homosexual). Results are consistent with research on bisexuality, where individuals can be doubly stigmatized, by both heterosexual and gay/lesbian communities. To understand the impact of identity on SWB, it is important for future research to include nuanced assessment of sexual orientation.
The main undergraduate assistant, in collaboration with both another lab member and the main investigator, conducted a literature review, proposed the hypotheses, preregistered the project on Open Science Framework, and ran analyses.
