Loneliness Among Older Lesbian,Gay, and Bisexual Adults: The Role of Minority Stress |
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Authors: | Lisette Kuyper Tineke Fokkema |
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Institution: | (1) Rutgers Nisso Groep, P. O. Box 9022, 3506 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands;(2) Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Past research has consistently found that aging lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) are more apt to suffer from loneliness
than their heterosexual counterparts. Data from the 2002 Gay Autumn survey (N = 122) were used to find out whether minority stress relates to higher levels of loneliness among older LGB adults in the
Netherlands. We examined five minority stress factors: external objective stressful events, expectations of those events,
internalized homonegativity, hiding and concealment of one’s LGB identity, and ameliorating processes. The results showed
that greater insight into loneliness among older LGB adults was obtained when minority stress factors were considered. Older
LGB adults who had experienced negative reactions, as well as aging LGBs who expected those reactions, had the highest levels
of loneliness. Having an LGB social network buffered against the impact of minority stress. These minority stress processes
added to the variance already explained by general factors that influenced levels of loneliness (partner relationships, general
social network, physical health, and self-esteem). Interventions aimed at decreasing feelings of loneliness among older LGBs
should be focused on decreasing societal homonegativity (to decrease the amount of negative and prejudiced reactions) and
on the enhancement of social activities for LGB elderly. |
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