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Annals of Behavioral Medicine

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01-02-2014 | Original Article

Structural Stigma and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical Axis Reactivity in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults

Authors: Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, Ph.D., Katie A. McLaughlin, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Youth exposed to extreme adverse life conditions have blunted cortisol responses to stress.

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether growing up in highly stigmatizing environments similarly shapes stigmatized individuals’ physiological responses to identity-related stress.

Methods

We recruited 74 lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults (mean age = 23.68) from 24 states with varying levels of structural stigma surrounding homosexuality. State-level structural stigma was coded based on several dimensions, including policies that exclude sexual minorities from social institutions (e.g., same-sex marriage). Participants were exposed to a laboratory stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), and neuroendocrine measures were collected.

Results

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults who were raised in highly stigmatizing environments as adolescents evidenced a blunted cortisol response following the TSST compared to those from low-stigma environments.

Conclusions

The stress of growing up in environments that target gays and lesbians for social exclusion may exert biological effects that are similar to traumatic life experiences.

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Title: Structural Stigma and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical Axis Reactivity in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults
Authors: Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, Ph.D.
Katie A. McLaughlin, Ph.D.
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9556-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Structural Stigma and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical Axis Reactivity in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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