Minority Stress and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Sexual Minority Adults: Irrationality and Self-Compassion as Serial Mediators

The article delves into the elevated risk of mental health issues among sexual minority individuals, particularly anxiety and depressive symptoms, due to minority stress. It explores the role of irrational beliefs and self-compassion as mediators in this relationship, drawing on the minority stress theory and rational-emotive behavior therapy. The study presents a unique perspective by investigating these psychological factors as serial mediators, contributing to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying mental health disparities in sexual minority adults. The research is based on a sample of 304 young adults from sexual minority groups, using validated scales to assess minority stress, irrational beliefs, self-compassion, and psychological distress. The findings have significant implications for mental health professionals seeking to develop targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of minority stress on mental health outcomes.