Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40051015›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2025

Romantic relationship status and internalized homophobia in LGB individuals: a parallel mediation model examining the roles of gender and coming out status.

Nirui Yu, Kexin Chen, Minghua Song, Na Zhang, Shen Liu

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Article in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Nirui YuDepartment of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, No. 130 Changjiang Road(W), Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
Kexin ChenDepartment of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, No. 130 Changjiang Road(W), Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
Minghua SongMental Health Education Guidance Center, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China. 1443081434@qq.com.
Na ZhangDepartment of Law, Anhui Vocational College of Police Officers, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. zhangna@ahjgxy.edu.cn.
Shen LiuDepartment of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, No. 130 Changjiang Road(W), Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. liushen@ahau.edu.cn.

Funding

Outstanding Youth Program of Philosophy and Social Sciences in Anhui Province 2022AH030089Research Project of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education 24YJC190018Starting Fund for Scientific Research of High-Level Talents at Anhui Agricultural University rc432206
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTo examine the parallel mediating effects of social networking site use and self-esteem on the internalization of homophobia among LGB individuals, with a focus on variations across gender and coming out status.

methodsA sample of 657 homosexual and bisexual individuals (mean age: 22.81 ± 6.15 years) was recruited through online social media platforms. This study examined romantic relationship status, coming out status, and the use of social networking sites. It also assessed internalized homophobia using the Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS), social network site engagement with the Social Network Site Intensity Scale (SNSIS), and self-esteem using the Self-Esteem Scale (SES). SPSS PROCESS was used to examine the parallel mediation model, while Amos was employed to analyze the moderated mediation model.

resultsThe social networking site use and self-esteem serve as parallel mediators in the relationship between romantic relationship status and the internalized homophobia. The mediating effect accounted for 23.75% and 21.88% of the total effect, respectively. Gender acts as a mediator in the pathways involving social networking site use and self-esteem, while coming out status mediates each component of these pathways. The romantic relationship status of LGB individuals is linked to internalized homophobia. Social networking site use and self-esteem act as parallel mediators in their relationship, while gender and coming out status playing a moderating role.

conclusionsThis study sheds light on the intricate factors influencing internalized homophobia among LGB individuals, emphasizing the mediating roles of social networking site usage and self-esteem, along with the moderating effects of gender and coming out status. The findings underscore the importance of fostering inclusive environments that support self-expression and reduce discrimination against LGB individuals. Furthermore, this study suggests directions for future research, including the use of longitudinal designs, the detailed categorization of romantic relationship statuses, and deeper exploration of psychological and behavioral differences across various LGB identities. By addressing these limitations, future studies can offer a more nuanced understanding of internalized homophobia and contribute to the development of effective intervention and prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.

Indexed as

HomophobiaInterpersonal RelationsSelf ConceptSexual and Gender MinoritiesAdolescentAdultFemaleHumansMaleSocial MediaSocial NetworkingYoung AdultInternalized homophobiaLGBRomantic relationship statusSelf-esteemSocial networking site use

Identifiers

PMID40051015
PMCPMC11887320

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