Internalized homophobia, social pain, severity of depressive symptoms and quality of sexual life among homosexual young adults

Abstract

Background

Being a homosexual may be burdened by several psychological problems. This is due to the minority stress that results from feeling excluded and it is characteristic of social minorities. Negative beliefs about their psychosexual orientation and sense of exclusion may be the cause of both depressive disorders and internalized homophobia. These factors can affect the quality of sexual life.

Aim

The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship between internalized homophobia, social pain and the severity of depressive symptoms and quality of sexual life.

Methods

The study included 103 young adults remaining in permanent homosexual relationships. The study was cross-sectional. The study used Beck Depression Inventory, Social Pain Thermometer, Internalized Homophobia Scale and Quality of Sexual Life Questionnaire.

Results

It observed the significant correlations between the level of internalized homophobia and a sense of social pain and the severity of depressive symptoms. Both internalized homophobia, and severe social pain and depressive symptoms proved to be significant predictors of reduced quality of sexual life of homosexuals.

Conclusions

During the treatment of depressive symptoms and discomfort associated with the sexual life of homosexuals, it is important to take into account the phenomenon of internalized homophobia.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.