LGBTQIA+ people continue to experience significantly higher levels of mental ill-health than heterosexual people, and new research from Orygen in collaboration with La Trobe University has examined the role internalised stigma plays as a stressor for same-sex couples in Australia.
This seven-year longitudinal study of 330 adult same-sex couples, published in SSM – Mental Health has found that levels of internalised sexual stigma remain remarkably stable over time, despite ongoing social progress and efforts to reduce discrimination.
Lead researcher and PhD candidate at Orygen, Josh Nguyen, said that while internalised stigma is known to contribute to poorer mental health, until now little was known about how it changes over time, particularly within same-sex relationships.
“We know internalised stigma is shaped by things like how much support people have from friends and family, the extent to which they have to hide their identity, and also their experience of discrimination from society more broadly,” Nguyen said.
“Despite significant social change, we still see structural stigma embedded in laws, policies and cultural norms, and this can still send harmful messages to people with sexual minority identities.
"Our research shows that once people have internalised these negative messages, they remain very stable over time, and can impact their mental health.”
The study found that people who felt they had to conceal their sexual identities experienced greater internalised stigma, while strong support from friends was one way this stigma could be lessened.
“Concealment limits access to supportive communities and affirming experiences, and reinforces shame and low self-esteem – all of which increase the likelihood of internalising negative societal messages,” Nguyen said.
“However, strong friend support and ‘chosen family’ can counteract discriminatory experiences, affirm sexual identity, and bolster self-esteem.
“The findings highlight the potential for psychological and community interventions that focus on strengthening social connectedness and supportive peer networks to help counteract the negative impacts of internalised stigma.”
The study emphasises the need to address internalised stigma at multiple levels: individual behaviours, social relationships, and broader structural forces.
“If we want to meaningfully improve mental health within LGBTQIA+ populations, we need to reduce the stress and stigma they face, interventions need to focus on reducing structural stigma, supporting social connection, and addressing the issue of concealment,” Nguyen said.