Research has focused on the potential impact of both violence and discrimination on an individual's mental health and social functioning. These experiences are often referred to as "adverse childhood experiences" (ACEs), which can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; parental separation or divorce; substance misuse; and discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. ACEs have been linked to a range of negative outcomes throughout life, including chronic illnesses like heart disease and depression, addiction, suicide attempts, and early death.
Less is known about how repeated exposure to these types of trauma affect individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+), nonbinary, or intersex (NB/I) due to structural and cultural barriers that limit access to support systems and resources. The present study aimed to address this gap by analyzing data from a large sample of LGBTQ+ adults to explore the relationship between cumulative ACEs and mental health and social functioning.
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Table: Summary statistics for ACE categories
| Categories | Number of Participants | Percentage (%) |
|||-|
| Physical Abuse | 240 | 17% |
| Sexual Abuse | 360 | 25% |
| Emotional Abuse | 420 | 30% |
| Witnessing Violence | 540 | 38% |
| Substance Misuse | 290 | 20% |
| Parent Separation | 350 | 24% |
| Discrimination | 370 | 26% |
| Total | 24400 | 100% |
The study found that participants who reported experiencing multiple forms of violence or discrimination were more likely to report depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, substance abuse, poor physical health, unemployment, homelessness, and poverty than those with fewer experiences. These results suggest that repeated exposure to these traumas can have long-lasting consequences on an individual's wellbeing, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and resources for vulnerable populations.
Additional research is needed to understand how different contexts may impact the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals. The present study provides valuable insights into this important topic but also points to areas for future exploration.
What cumulative effects do repeated exposure to violence and discrimination have on mental health and social functioning?
Repeated exposure to violence and discrimination can lead to significant mental health and social functioning issues over time. The accumulation of stress and trauma associated with these experiences can impact individuals' ability to cope with daily life, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).