Minority Stress and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Sexual Minority Adults: Irrationality and Self-Compassion as Serial Mediators

Individuals in sexual minority groups experience unique forms of stress and are at increased risk of mental health problems compared to their heterosexual counterparts; however, research is scarce on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this relationship. The present study aimed to explore the mediating effects of irrationality and self-compassion in the relationship between minority stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Between March 2022 to June 2022, we recruited online a sample of 304 Romanian adults who identified as sexual minorities (M_age = 22.65, SD = 5.23). They completed questionnaires that addressed minority stress, irrational beliefs, self-compassion, and symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The findings showed significant associations between minority stress, irrationality, self-compassion, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Minority stress was related to anxiety and depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly, through two paths (a self-compassion path and an irrationality and self-compassion path).

Our results indicated that self-compassion and irrationality are serial mediators in the relationship between minority stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms.

These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how minority stress is related to anxiety and depressive symptoms and provide important guidance to reduce psychological distress in sexual minority young adults. Furthermore, it has important implications for developing prevention and intervention programs designed for sexual minorities individuals.