A systematic review of the relationship between sexual minority identity concealment and substance use

Allison McGovern

Research Mentor(s): Shayan Asadi
Mentor Department: Psychology
Authors:  Allison  McGovern, Craig Rodriguez-Seijas, Shayan Asadi
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Oral

Abstract

Background: According to Minority Stress Theory, sexual minorities experience additional stressors such as victimization, discrimination, and identity concealment. These minority stressors are theorized to contribute to a higher risk of mental health issues relative to heterosexual populations, including substance use (Meyer, 2003). Sexual minorities may choose to conceal their identity in an attempt to avoid other stressors such as victimization and rejection, but the concealment itself can become stressful. Concealment also makes it difficult for an individual to connect with social support from other sexual minority individuals. This study attempts to determine the relationship between concealment of a sexual minority identity and substance use. Methods: Utilizing Covidence, we systematically searched for articles from 2003-2023 with key words relevant to our research question (e.g “minority stress” in addition to “substance use”). Abstracts were then screened according to eligibility criteria. Articles need to be quantitative, with a sexual minority sample, a minority stress exposure, and a substance use outcome. Articles that were eligible from the abstract stage were then screened at the full text stage, this time looking for a reported effect size between our concealment and substance use. Data from the eligible studies was then extracted. Analysis: 312 eligible studies were found after both the abstract and full text screening stage. Currently 12 studies had an eligible effect size between concealment and substance use but data extraction is still ongoing. We hope to conduct a meta-analysis and create descriptive statistics. Conclusion: The mental health needs of sexual minority populations are important, given disparities in substance use compared to heterosexual populations. Our systematic review of the relationships between concealment and substance use will improve understanding of driving forces of mental health disparities among sexual minority individuals.