Sexual Orientation, Gender Composition of the Occupation, and Mental Health in Young Adulthood

• In Event: 515 - Section on Sociology of Mental Health Paper Session. The Economy, Work, and Mental Health

Abstract

Sexual minorities have higher rates of mental health problems than heterosexuals, and the extent of this disparity varies across social positions. The present study seeks to extend the literature by considering occupations as one of such social positions. Among various occupational characteristics, the study focuses on gender composition, which may shift the level of exposure to work stress and the availability of coping resources for sexual minorities. The study analyzes young adulthood data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) using depressive symptoms and drug dependence symptoms as outcome measures. Although the results depend on what combinations of sexual orientation measures and mental health outcomes are used, the analysis revealed general patterns. Among women, the mental health disadvantage for those reporting same-gender or both-gender orientation increases as the percentage of female workers in the occupation increases. Among men, the disadvantage of those reporting same-gender orientation reduces as the percentage of female workers increases.

Authors

• Koji Ueno, Florida State University

• Preeti Mansukh Vaghela, Florida State University