Examining interpersonal mediators and moderators in the link between outness to family and depressive symptoms among Chinese sexual minorities

Abstract

Past researchers found that the association between disclosure of sexual orientation and mental health problems was inconsistent. This study aims to identify variables that may moderate and mediate this relationship. A total of 1,404 Chinese lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults participated in this study. They provided demographic information and completed measures of disclosure of sexual orientation to family (DSOF), perceived parental support for sexual orientation (PPSSO), sexual orientation victimization in family (SOVF), perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and depression. Structural equation modelling was conducted for data analyses. In the direct and mediation models, DSOF had non-significant association with depression. In the moderated mediation model, PPSSO and SOVF moderated the effects of DSOF on PB and TB. The indirect negative effects of DSOF on depression through PB and TB were stronger for participants with higher PPSSO or lower SOVF. Specifically, DSOF had the largest negative association with depression through PB and TB for participants with very high PPSSO or very low SOVF, whereas such indirect associations were the largest positive for those with very low PPSSO or very high SOVF. Family attitudes and behaviors toward non-heterosexual sexual orientation may change the direction and the extent to which DSOF contributes to depressive symptoms through PB and TB.