Cognitive and behavioural factors contributing to distress in LGBTQ+students: A Prospective Mediation Study

TY - JOUR

T1 - Cognitive and behavioural factors contributing to distress in LGBTQ+students

T2 - A Prospective Mediation Study

AU - Gnan, Georgina

AU - Rahman, Qazi

AU - Rimes, Katharine

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - We applied a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model of psychological distress and examined cognitive and behavioural predictors and mediators of depression, anxiety and suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) students. LGBTQ + university students (N = 385) completed questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 2 months. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationship between baseline negative beliefs (about the self, others and the future) and depression, anxiety and suicidality 2 months later, via cognitive and behavioural response mediators (perseverative thinking, avoidance and self-compassion) assessed at 1 month. The final model demonstrated acceptable fit: χ 2 (16) = 73.36, p <.001, comparative fit index (CFI)=0.96, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI)=0.93, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.09 (90% CI [0.07–0.12]), standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) = 0.04, accounting for significant variance in depression/anxiety (48%) and suicidality (27%). For depression/anxiety, negative beliefs had a direct effect and an indirect effect via perseverative thinking and avoidance. For suicidality, negative beliefs had a direct effect. A cognitive behavioural conceptualization may improve our knowledge of the psychological mechanisms involved in depression, anxiety and suicidality in LGBTQ + students. Negative beliefs about the self, others or the future, perseverative thinking, and avoidance are promising targets for prevention and treatment.

AB - We applied a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model of psychological distress and examined cognitive and behavioural predictors and mediators of depression, anxiety and suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) students. LGBTQ + university students (N = 385) completed questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 2 months. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationship between baseline negative beliefs (about the self, others and the future) and depression, anxiety and suicidality 2 months later, via cognitive and behavioural response mediators (perseverative thinking, avoidance and self-compassion) assessed at 1 month. The final model demonstrated acceptable fit: χ 2 (16) = 73.36, p <.001, comparative fit index (CFI)=0.96, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI)=0.93, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.09 (90% CI [0.07–0.12]), standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) = 0.04, accounting for significant variance in depression/anxiety (48%) and suicidality (27%). For depression/anxiety, negative beliefs had a direct effect and an indirect effect via perseverative thinking and avoidance. For suicidality, negative beliefs had a direct effect. A cognitive behavioural conceptualization may improve our knowledge of the psychological mechanisms involved in depression, anxiety and suicidality in LGBTQ + students. Negative beliefs about the self, others or the future, perseverative thinking, and avoidance are promising targets for prevention and treatment.

KW - Sexual orientation

KW - Gender identity

KW - LGBTQ+

KW - Lesbian, gay, bisexual

KW - Students

KW - Young people

KW - Cognitive behavioral therapy

KW - Mental health

KW - Minority stress

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85130289237&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/09540261.2022.2058871

DO - 10.1080/09540261.2022.2058871

M3 - Article

SN - 0954-0261

VL - 34

SP - 274

EP - 281

JO - International Review of Psychiatry

JF - International Review of Psychiatry

IS - 3-4

ER -