5043.0 - The effects of adversity in youth and experiences of gay community stress on depressive symptoms among young gay and bisexual men, and non-binary individuals
Session: Voices of Youth: Navigating Trauma, Stigma, and Strength
Authors: Erin Nicholson, Trace Kershaw, Sally Kirklewski
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Abstract
Background
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are frequently reported among gay and bisexual men, and non-binary individuals (GBMN) and can be significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Additionally, stress from mainstream gay community norms can impact mental health.
Methods
Data was collected from #MVMNT, which was a longitudinal study (2017–2024) conducted to examine social and geographical context, sexual risk, and substance use among young GBMN individuals living outside of large urban centers (n=360). Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted using the CDC-Kaiser ACE-10 scale in addition to variables on sex, alcohol, and drug use in youth (≤17 years of age). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) evaluated the relationship of class membership on the outcome of depression symptoms, as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), while accounting for Gay Community Stress Scale (GCSS) score.
Results
Three youth adversity classes emerged: class 1 (25.8%, n=93) contained participants who faced high adversity and had high early engagement in sex, drugs, or alcohol, class 2 (23.1%, n=83) contained participants with moderate adversity and lower early engagement, and class 3 (51.1%, n=184) contained participants with lower reported adversity and moderate early engagement.
ANCOVA showed a significant effect of class on CES-D score after controlling for the effect of GCSS score, F(2, 356)= 7.59, p<0.001, partial η2=0.04. Post hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni adjustment revealed that the mean CES-D score for class 1 (mean= 22.28, standard deviation (SD)= 1.17) significantly differed from the mean CES-D score of class 3 (mean= 16.73, SD= 0.83, p<0.001) when accounting for the covariate, GCSS score. Class 2 CES-D score (mean= 19.63, SD= 1.23) did not significantly differ from class 1 or 3 CES-D scores, while controlling for GCSS. The covariate, GCSS, was significantly related to CES-D score, F(1, 356)= 10.58, p= 0.001.
Conclusions
Results indicate that after controlling for gay community stress, those who faced high adversity in youth and had high early engagement in sex, drugs, or alcohol reported significantly higher depression scores than those reporting lower adversity and early engagement. Interventions for depression among GBMN individuals should consider GCSS and youth adversity experiences.