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AMendlein Final Thesis1.pdf (761.74 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

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The Relationship between Connectedness to the LGBTQ Community, Nonmetropolitan Location, and Depressive Symptoms among LGBTQ Young Adults

Mendlein, Anna E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1461255746

Abstract Details

2016, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, Social Work.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals face a broad range of physical and mental health risks. Minority stressors (e.g., experiences of discrimination, belief in negative stereotypes about one’s own group) have been linked to poor mental health outcomes for this population. Connectedness to the LGBTQ community – including feelings of connectedness and behavioral involvement – is a potential protective factor against the effects of minority stress; however, LGBTQ individuals living in nonmetropolitan (rural) areas often feel less connected or are less involved with the LGBTQ community. The purpose of this project was to examine the relationship between connectedness to the LGBTQ community, nonmetropolitan (rural) location, and depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional sample of 104 self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer 18-35 year-old adults. It was hypothesized that higher levels of connectedness would be associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms; connectedness to the LGBTQ community would be lower among nonmetropolitan participants; and the association between connectedness and depression would be stronger in nonmetropolitan areas. Results indicated a marginally significant negative relationship between perceived connectedness to the LGBTQ community and depressive symptoms, providing partial support for the first hypothesis. In addition, participants living in nonmetropolitan areas reported significantly lower perceived connectedness as compared to participants living in metropolitan areas, providing partial support for the second hypothesis. Behavioral involvement was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms and did not significantly vary based on nonmetropolitan location. Further, the third hypothesis – regarding a difference in the association between connectedness and depression by nonmetropolitan location - was not supported. Directions for future research and implications for social work policy and practice were discussed.
Peggy Zoccola (Advisor)
Solveig Spjeldnes (Advisor)
101 p.
Social Work
LGBT; LGBTQ; gender and sexual minorities; depressive symptoms; nonmetropolitan; rural; connectedness; involvement

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mendlein, A. E. (2016). The Relationship between Connectedness to the LGBTQ Community, Nonmetropolitan Location, and Depressive Symptoms among LGBTQ Young Adults [Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1461255746

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mendlein, Anna. The Relationship between Connectedness to the LGBTQ Community, Nonmetropolitan Location, and Depressive Symptoms among LGBTQ Young Adults. 2016. Ohio University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1461255746.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mendlein, Anna. "The Relationship between Connectedness to the LGBTQ Community, Nonmetropolitan Location, and Depressive Symptoms among LGBTQ Young Adults." Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1461255746

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ouhonors1461255746
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University Honors Tutorial College and OhioLINK.