A LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE INTERSECTION OF COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS AND DEPRESSION FOR LESBIAN, GAY, AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE

Abstract

Mental health issues have a high lifetime prevalence in the general population, with depression being one of the most frequent. However, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience higher rates of depression compared to non-LGB people. Factors contributing to this include components of minority stress such as: stigma, discrimination, and victimization. Existing literature shows that community connectedness can act as an effective buffer for LGB people against negative mental health outcomes. The purpose of this literature review is to review the disparity in rates of depression between LGB people and their heterosexual counterparts; explore how sexual minority (SM) status contributes to and informs that difference; and explore the efficacy of community connectedness in acting as a buffer against depression for LGB people.