Homophobic Violence, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health

• In Event: 366 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session II
  In Refereed Roundtable: B. Table 01. Mental Health

Abstract

The understanding of how lesbians, gays and bisexuals cope with homophobic violence is limited. Therefore, this study focuses simultaneously on avoidance, problem-oriented, and emotion-oriented coping, and visibility management. Moreover, the moderating role of coping strategies in the relationship between homophobic violence and negative mental health outcomes is studied. Data were collected from 1402 Flemish lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. Stepwise regression analyses shows that coping has a direct effect on mental health, however, no evidence for a moderating effect is found. Additionally, visibility management and emotion-oriented coping strategies are found to exert a combined effect on mental health.

Authors

• Lies D'haese, Ghent University

• Alexis Dewaele, Ghent University

• Mieke Van Houtte, Ghent University