Mindfulness for Reducing Minority Stress and Promoting Health Among Sexual Minority Men: Uncovering Intervention Principles and Techniques

May combine two claims.

Gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men experience substantial minority stress, which raises their risk for multiple health outcomes.

“Gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men experience considerable minority stress, which leads to elevated risks for a range of health outcomes.”

• cites Newcomb & Mustanski, 2010 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Pachankis et al., 2020 sourcePartly supported

  The Discussion (Implications for Internalizing Versus Externalizing Mental Health Problems; page unavailable) links the minority stress of concealment to internalizing mental health problems, supporting part of the claim. But the review addresses sexual minorities broadly rather than establishing this specifically for men, and it does not establish that minority stress causes elevated risk across a range of health outcomes; it reports a negative association between concealment and substance use problems. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Sexual minority men are at higher risk for STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis and are less likely to seek testing and treatment than heterosexual peers.

“Compared to their heterosexual peers, sexual minority men are also at higher risk for STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis and less likely to seek testing and treatment (Ramchandani & Golden, 2019).”

• cites Ramchandani & Golden, 2019 sourcePartly supported

  The Introduction reports rising syphilis and gonorrhea rates among men who have sex with men and discusses chlamydial infection as part of the STI epidemic. It does not establish that sexual minority men are less likely than heterosexual men to seek testing or treatment; it instead reports substantial STI testing among MSM in some settings. The claimed comparison with heterosexual peers is therefore not fully supported. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

With the challenges that COVID-19 poses to the mental and sexual health of sexual minority young adults, creating a confidential, safe, and supportive online space that fosters development of coping skills such as mindfulness could be an effective and accessible approach to reach and engage vulnerable sexual minority men and enhance population health.

“With the challenges that COVID-19 poses to the mental and sexual health of sexual minority young adults (e.g., increased isolation, lack of access to community support), creating a confidential, safe, and supportive online space that fosters development of coping skills such as mindfulness could be an effective and accessible approach to reach and engage vulnerable sexual minority men and enhance”

• cites Fish et al., 2022 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Platero & López-Sáez, 2021 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
• cites Sun et al., 2022 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Difficulties in emotion regulation contribute to and maintain mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as maladaptive coping behaviors among sexual minority men, including alcohol and substance use and sexual compulsivity.

“Difficulties in emotion regulation contribute to and maintain mental health issues (depression and anxiety) as well as maladaptive coping behaviors among sexual minority men including alcohol and substance use and sexual compulsivity (Pachankis et al., 2014).”

• cites Pachankis et al., 2014 sourcePartly supported

  Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Participants described minority stress sources including assumed heterosexuality, non-acceptance from family, bullying and exclusion from peers due to sexual identity, and stress from within the LGBTQ+ community, religious community, and larger culture.

“Specifically, they described minority stress due to assumed heterosexuality and non-acceptance from family members, experiences of bullying and exclusion from peers due to sexual identity, as well as stress from within the LGBTQ + community (e.g., regarding one’s appearance), religious community, and the larger culture (e.g., heteronormativity).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A delivery consideration for MBQR is careful navigation regarding mindfulness and religion.

“Delivery considerations also included careful navigation regarding mindfulness and religion”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A delivery consideration for MBQR is using modern technology to increase reach, access, and engagement.

“using modern technology to increase reach, access, and engagement”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Participants expressed a need for the program to be tailored to the LGBTQ+ community's daily struggles and sexual minority stress.

“Participants vocalized the need for such tailoring: “the program should emphasize the community’s daily struggles” (Leo, 23-year-old Latino queer man), “make sure the program content is specific to LGBTQ + experience” (Michael, 25-year-old Black gay man), and “use mindfulness to cope with stress related to being a sexual minority” (Samuel, 27-year-old Native American gay man).”

May combine two claims.

Avoidance as a coping form was commonly mentioned, including avoiding people or public settings, occupying oneself with activities to avoid identity-related thoughts, using sex or substances to avoid psychological pain, and avoiding medical care and HIV testing due to anxiety and anticipated stigma.

“In general, avoidance as a form of coping was commonly mentioned, such as avoiding people or public settings, occupying oneself with activities to avoid thoughts related to identity, using sex or substances to avoid psychological pain, and avoiding medical care and HIV testing due to anxiety and anticipation of stigma from medical staff.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Providers suggested incorporating LGBTQ+-related content such as poetry by LGBTQ+ people throughout the program to facilitate belongingness and pride.

“To build a validating environment, providers also suggested incorporating LGBTQ + -related content such as poetry by LGBTQ + people throughout the program to facilitate feelings of belongingness and pride.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

Thematic analysis of interviews with 15 sexual minority men with anxiety or depressive symptoms and 11 mindfulness providers produced six intervention principles for MBQR.

“Six intervention principles and seven key techniques/delivery considerations emerged relevant to intervention development.”

• Also stated in: § Results · plain

  “The intervention development process described above yielded six mindfulness-based intervention principles and six key techniques and delivery considerations (Fig. 1).”

May combine two claims.

Participants described mindfulness as attending to one's mental state, being in touch with oneself, and appreciating who one is.

“For instance, participants noted that mindfulness is about “attending to your mental state” (Michael, 25-year-old Black gay man), “being in touch with yourself” (Ezra, 22-year-old Black gay man), and “appreciating who you are” (Dylan, 25-year-old White gay man).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Self-love may be challenging to achieve with this population due to longstanding patterns of self-degradation.

“Although self-love is a powerful concept, as participants noted, it could be challenging to achieve with this population due to longstanding patterns of self-degradation.”

May combine two claims.

Sexual minority men of color shared struggles related to the intersection of race and sexuality, such as racism within the LGBTQ+ community and heterosexism within their racial minority community, resulting in severed belonging and lack of trust.

“Notably, sexual minority men of color shared struggles related to the intersection of race and sexuality, such as racism within LGBTQ + community and heterosexism within one’s racial minority community, resulting in severed belonging and lack of trust.”

May combine two claims.

Participants demonstrated resilience and strength despite adversity, including growing self-efficacy, self-acceptance, reaching out for support, and building one's own family/community.

“Participants demonstrated a great amount of resilience and strength despite their noted descriptions of adversity. This includes, for instance, growing self-efficacy, self-acceptance, reaching out for support, building one’s own family/community, etc.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Ezra, a 22-year-old Black gay man, reported that the body scan was difficult for him because of body image issues.

“For instance, Ezra, a 22-year-old Black gay man, shared that the body scan was difficult for him due to body image issues (“I deal with a lot of body image issues so then, I don’t know, for me, like maybe being hyper aware of my body isn’t what I should do?”).”

May combine two claims.

Internalization of stigma was a salient subtheme and contributed to participants' feelings of loneliness, rejection, inferiority, and being abnormal about their sexual identity.

“One salient subtheme noted by participants was the internalization of stigma, which they noted contributed to feelings of loneliness, rejection, inferiority, and being “abnormal” when thinking about their sexual identity.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

The analysis produced key techniques and delivery considerations for MBQR.

“Key techniques represent the pathways through which MBQR may address the adverse impacts of minority stress, including through attention control practice to facilitate agency and self-awareness, enhancing emotion regulation, reducing reactivity to minority stress-informed thoughts, self-compassion to increase self-acceptance, and reducing behavioral avoidance.”

May combine two claims.

Minority stress also manifests as microaggressions and social isolation.

“Minority stress also manifests as microaggressions and social isolation.”

May combine two claims.

MBQR includes affirming LGBTQ+ identity and facilitating healthy identity development.

“(b) affirming LGBTQ + identity and facilitating healthy identity development”

• Also stated in: § Intervention Principles · plain

  “Principle 2. Affirming LGBTQ + Identity and Facilitating Healthy Identity Development”

May combine two claims.

Participants shared deeply held beliefs that their sexual identity is a source of shame, inferiority, and unworthiness, arising from cumulative minority stress, internalization, and heteronormative messages from society.

“Participants shared deeply held beliefs that their sexual identity is a source of shame, inferiority, and unworthiness, which come from cumulative experiences of minority stress, internalization of these experiences, and heteronormative messages from the larger society.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Michael, a 25-year-old Black gay man, reported struggling with internalized heterosexism and coming out, and said he felt frightened in all three practices, with increased heartbeat, sweating palms, and feeling bad about himself.

“For instance, Michael, a 25-year-old Black gay man expressed struggling with internalized heterosexism and “coming out,” also shared that in all three practices he “felt frightened,” with increased heartbeat and palms sweating as well as “feeling bad about himself.””

May combine two claims.

Study participants described exposure to trauma and adversity, including personal victimization, witnessing harmful treatment of other LGBTQ+ people, and lack of acceptance and representation, which led them to use trauma-avoidant coping strategies.

“Participants shared their exposure to trauma and adversity, such as personal experiences of victimization (e.g., being harassed, bullied), witnessing harmful treatment of other LGBTQ + people (e.g., Charles, a 21-year-old White gay man noted learning of a friend being put into conversion therapy and witnessing parental punishment to his sister due to her sexual orientation), and lack of acceptance”

May combine two claims.

In test practices with sexual minority men, most participants reported pleasant experiences such as calm, feeling grounded, and feeling in touch with oneself or body, while some experienced more emotional activation.

“It is worth noting that during our test practices with sexual minority men participants, most participants indicated pleasant experiences (e.g., calm, feeling grounded, feeling in touch with oneself/body) and some experienced more emotional activation.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Several providers shared that it may be advisable to avoid using bells in meditation because they may represent a religious symbol.

“Several providers shared to possibly avoid the utilization of bells in meditation as it may represent a religious symbol.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A few participants shared that mindfulness meditation could feel similar to religious or spiritual practices in its format and effect.

“A few participants shared that mindfulness meditation could feel similar to religious/spiritual practices in its format and effect.”

May combine two claims.

The interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fall 2020 to Spring 2021, and many participants shared that they often faced barriers to social support during this period, including geographical limitations, physical closeness to family members who may not know or validate their sexual identity, and decreased peer contact in general.

“The interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic (Fall 2020–Spring 2021), and many participants shared that they often faced various barriers for social support during this period including geographical limitations (e.g., residing in small rural area without a large LGBTQ + community), physical closeness to family members who may not know or validate their sexual identity, and decreased”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Participants expressed that such delivery could ensure easy access and help them integrate mindfulness into their daily life.

“Participants expressed that such delivery could ensure easy access and help them to integrate mindfulness into their daily life.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Participants noted that discussion and practice of mindfulness to address interpersonal stressors and build healthy relationships will be important.

“For instance, participants noted that discussion and practice of mindfulness to address interpersonal stressors and build healthy relationships will be important: “tailored pieces on dealing with family members and using mindfulness practices to cope with those family members” (Samuel), “to have something specific about queerness and interpersonal relating in the class” (Ezra), “would be helpful”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Participants shared that promoting healthy relationships and healthy community is vital for the success of the program and for their well-being.

“Participants shared that this is vital for the success of the program and their well-being.”

May combine two claims.

Participants noted that emotion regulation difficulties such as numbing and avoidance are common and stem from early experiences of minority stress, including familial rejection, peer bullying, and cultural norms of masculinity on emotional suppression.

“As noted by our participants, emotion regulation difficulties (e.g., numbing, avoidance) are common and stem from early experiences of minority stress (e.g., familial rejection, peer bullying, cultural norm of masculinity on emotional suppression).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

A provider who primarily works with African American sexual minority men shared that with successful delivery, mindfulness could offer a path to well-being and spiritual belonging that many sexual minority men long for.

“A provider who primarily works with African American sexual minority men shared that with successful delivery, mindfulness could offer a path to well-being and spiritual belonging that many sexual minority men long for.”

May combine two claims.

Intentional practices to promote self-acceptance can combat internalization of stigma and promote positive emotions associated with one's identity.

“As participants noted, intentional practices to promote self-acceptance (e.g., bringing attitudes of non-judging, acceptance, and trust to one’s identity, self-compassion practice) can combat the internalization of stigma (as a consequence of distal minority stress) and promote the association of positive emotions with one’s identity.”

May combine two claims.

MBQR aims to challenge internalized stigma and support congruence and identity integration through awareness.

“Second, the program challenges internalized stigma and supports congruence and identity integration through awareness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Compared with heterosexual peers, gay and bisexual men are more than twice as likely to meet criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder and four times as likely to have comorbid disorders in the past 12 months, with depression and anxiety most prevalent.

“Compared to their heterosexual peers, gay and bisexual men are more than twice as likely to meet criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder and are four times more likely to experience comorbid disorders in the past 12 months, with depression and anxiety disorders being most prevalent (Cochran et al., 2003).”

• cites Cochran et al., 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

If MBQR is shown to be feasible and efficacious, it may reduce the adverse effects of minority stress and improve mental and sexual health among sexual minority men.

“If proven to be feasible and efficacious, MBQR may offer the potential to alleviate adverse impacts of minority stress and improve mental and sexual health of sexual minority men.”

May combine two claims.

MBQR could provide a safe and accepting space to reduce proximal minority stress and disrupt the processes through which minority stress harms psychological and behavioral health.

“However, it could provide a safe and accepting space to facilitate reduction of proximal minority stress (e.g., internalized heterosexism) and disrupt the processes through which minority stress adversely impacts psychological and behavioral health.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

MBSR's curriculum emphasis on understanding and addressing stress lends itself to adaptation for stress reduction in a different context such as minority stress.

“Third, the curriculum’s emphasis on understanding and addressing stress naturally lends itself to adaptation for stress reduction in a different context (i.e., minority stress).”

The quote only partly states this claim.

MBQR aims to enhance healthy sexual identity development by creating an affirmative, responsive, and validating environment.

“First, MBQR creates an environment that is affirmative, responsive, and validating.”

May combine two claims.

MBQR facilitates the growth and expression of people's strength and inner wisdom.

“Recognizing the resourcefulness among members of the community, the MBQR program facilitates the growth and expression of people’s strength and inner wisdom.”

May combine two claims.

Key attitudes of mindfulness such as acceptance and non-judging can help combat identity negativity and promote self-love.

“Key attitudes of mindfulness such as acceptance and non-judging can be beneficial to combat identity negativity and promote self-love.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Three PhD-level psychologists with LGBTQ+ and mindfulness research and clinical experience performed coding and analysis.

“Three PhD-level psychologists with research and clinical experience working with LGBTQ + individuals and mindfulness performed coding and analytic procedures.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A recent systematic review on mindfulness for sexual and gender minority groups highlighted the need for formative qualitative research to improve the relevance and acceptability of MBIs through adaptation, including consideration of clinical characteristics and the etiology of health outcomes.

“In addition, a recent systematic review on mindfulness for sexual and gender minority groups (Sun et al., 2021) highlighted the need for formative, qualitative research to improve the relevance and acceptability of MBIs through adaptation, including consideration of clinical characteristics and the etiology of health outcomes of interest (Sun et al., 2021).”

• cites Sun et al., 2021 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The fifth principle of the MBQR program is being trauma sensitive, which includes promoting safety, facilitating choice and control, and emphasizing empowerment and skill building.

“Thus, the fifth principle of the MBQR program is being trauma sensitive. This includes trauma-sensitive practices throughout the program, such as (a) promoting safety (e.g., discuss confidentiality and privacy, teach “window of tolerance” (a zone of optimal arousal states; see Siegel, 1999), note participant’s rights to disclose oneself or not in group setting), (b) facilitating choice and control”

• cites Siegel, 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

May combine two claims.

Consistent with the inclusion criteria of the planned future RCT trial, sexual minority men in this study were young adults, all endorsed depressive and/or anxiety symptoms, and had a history of condomless sex.

“Second, consistent with the inclusion criteria of the planned future RCT trial, sexual minority men in this study were young adults, all endorsed depressive and/or anxiety symptoms, and had a history of condomless sex.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The principle of healthy relationships also applies to the relationship with the teacher and the intervention group.

“The principle of healthy relationships also applies to the relationship with the teacher (i.e., one that honors participant’s agency, space, and inner wisdom) and the intervention group (i.e., one that fosters community building, inclusion and belonging).”

May combine two claims.

MBQR emphasizes teaching attention control early in its sequence of mindfulness practices, while practices involving open monitoring are introduced later.

“Consistent with the principles of trauma sensitivity and enhancing resilience, MBQR emphasizes the teaching of attention control early in its sequence of mindfulness practices, whereas practices that involve open monitoring are introduced later in the program.”

May combine two claims.

The MBQR program incorporates skills training in mindfulness for interpersonal communication, authentic self-expression and self-advocacy, and healthy relationship building, including endorsing a sex-positive attitude and promoting healthy sexual relations through mindfulness.

“Therefore, the MBQR program incorporates and emphasizes related skills training, such as mindfulness for interpersonal communication, the role of mindfulness for authentic self-expression and self-advocacy, and mindfulness for healthy relationship building. This includes endorsing a sex-positive attitude and promoting healthy sexual relations via mindfulness.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: HIV/STI prevention and sex education programs that have a sole focus on behavior, such as condom use, may convey harmful messages regarding sexuality and reinforce internalized homonegativity, including shame and fear regarding sex and one's sexuality.

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Overall improvement in identity positivity via self-compassion practice could enhance motivation for self-care behaviors.

“Second, overall improvement in identity positivity via self-compassion practice could enhance the motivation for self-care behaviors.”

May combine two claims.

This provides an opportunity for participants to identify thoughts as mental events and as mental habits of internalized stigma stemming from a heteronormative environment, and to develop flexibility in responding to them.

“This provides an opportunity for participants to identify them as thoughts and interpretations that are mental events and may represent mental habits of internalized stigma that stem from a heteronormative environment. Thus, instead of believing them as an essential fact about oneself, participants are invited to become aware of them, understand that they may arise from minority stress experiences”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Internalized minority stress often manifests in negative beliefs regarding one's sexual identity and oneself, which is a result of cumulative experiences of societal stigma and victimization.

May combine two claims.

These techniques are consistent with identified principles of MBQR and aim to address various aspects of the adverse impact of minority stress, including attentional and emotional dysregulation, internalized stigmatizing thoughts, negative attitude or view toward oneself, and avoidant coping.

“These techniques are consistent with identified principles of MBQR and aim to address the various aspects of the adverse impact of minority stress, including attentional and emotional dysregulation, internalized stigmatizing thoughts, negative attitude/view toward oneself, and avoidant coping.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The resulting intervention, MBQR, represents a systematic process to develop a mindfulness-based intervention to address the psychosocial sequelae of minority stress and to improve sexual and mental health among sexual minority men.

“The resulting intervention, “Mindfulness-Based Queer Resilience” (MBQR), represents a systematic process to develop a mindfulness-based intervention to address the psychosocial sequelae of minority stress and to improve sexual and mental health among sexual minority men, a historically marginalized population at risk for psychological distress and HIV/STI.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The first five techniques of MBQR represent the 'how' or processes to address minority stress, whereas the last two points, mindfulness and religion and utilizing modern technologies, concern maximizing engagement.

“The first five techniques of MBQR represent the “how” or processes to address minority stress, whereas the last two points (mindfulness and religion, and utilizing modern technologies) concern maximizing engagement.”

May combine two claims.

MBQR teaches zones of arousal early in its sequencing and encourages participants to re-orient their attention if they find themselves in hyperarousal or hypoarousal/dissociation.

“Consistent with trauma sensitive practice of mindfulness (Treleaven, 2018), MBQR teaches zones of arousal (e.g., window of tolerance) early in its sequencing and encourages participants to re-orient their attention if they find themselves in the zones of hyperarousal or hypoarousal/dissociation.”

• cites Treleaven, 2018Not checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

Potentially, a tailored approach to engage sexual minority men and reduce minority stress via internet-delivered mindfulness could both provide reach and maximize engagement of participation.

“Potentially, a tailored approach to engage sexual minority men and reduce minority stress via internet-delivered mindfulness could both provide reach and maximize engagement of participation.”

May combine two claims.

When implemented with monitoring of one's zone of arousal, this technique can help sexual minority men develop emotional awareness, increase tolerance of emotional distress, and reduce emotional avoidance.

“When implemented with monitoring of one’s zone of arousal (i.e., window of tolerance), this technique can help sexual minority men develop emotional awareness, increase tolerance of emotional distress, and reduce emotional avoidance.”

May combine two claims.

As riskier health behaviors in sexual minority men often represent minority stress-driven, avoidant coping patterns, a tailored mindfulness program such as MBQR could offer the potential of improving multiple health behavior outcomes.

“As riskier health behaviors in sexual minority men, including lack of HIV/STI testing, sexual risk behaviors, and suboptimal utilization of mental health and medical services, often represent minority stress-driven, avoidant coping patterns, tailored mindfulness program such as MBQR could offer the potential of improving multiple health behavior outcomes.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Riskier health behaviors in sexual minority men, including lack of HIV/STI testing, sexual risk behaviors, and suboptimal utilization of mental health and medical services, often represent minority stress-driven, avoidant coping patterns.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

The principles identified serve as philosophical foundations of the MBQR intervention and point to the importance of contextualizing mindfulness in the lived experiences of sexual minorities, trauma sensitivity, and emphasizing strength and resilience.

“The principles identified serve as philosophical foundations of the MBQR intervention and point to the importance of contextualizing mindfulness in the lived experiences of sexual minorities, trauma sensitivity, and emphasizing strength and resilience.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

There may be unique psychosocial characteristics of this group of men as well as the utility of mindfulness for this group.

“Thus, there may be unique psychosocial characteristics of this group of men as well as the utility of mindfulness for this group.”

May combine two claims.

Self-compassion can serve as a direct antidote to self-criticism and low self-worth due to experiences of discrimination and stigma, and facilitate the development of a healthy identity.

“Self-compassion can serve as a direct antidote to self-criticism and low self-worth due to experiences of discrimination and stigma, and facilitate the development of a healthy identity.”

May combine two claims.

As minority stress adversely affects sexual minority men's health, a mindfulness-based approach capable of addressing the pathway through which minority stress asserts these impacts offers the potential of addressing mental health and HIV/STI-related health outcomes in this population.

“As minority stress adversely affects sexual minority men’s health, a mindfulness-based approach capable of addressing the pathway through which minority stress asserts these impacts offers the potential of addressing mental health and HIV/STI-related health outcomes in this population (Fig. 1).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

Given the often-relational nature of minority stress and trauma that sexual minority men experience, the authors suggest purposefully applying mindfulness in relational aspects of men's lives, such as authentic self-expression, mindful communication, and self-advocacy.

“Further, given the often-relational nature of minority stress and trauma that sexual minority men experience, we suggest purposefully applying mindfulness in relational aspects of men’s lives, such as authentic self-expression, mindful communication, and self-advocacy.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Iacono et al. (2022) found through qualitative analyses that an affirmative stance and psychological safety were important in affirmative mindfulness.

“Recently, similar work was conducted with LGBTQ + youth, in which Iacono et al. (2022) found through qualitative analyses that an affirmative stance and psychological safety were important in affirmative mindfulness.”

• cites Iacono et al. (2022) sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

There have been increasing efforts in helping professions to develop guidelines and cultural competencies for working with sexual minority populations.

“There has been increasing efforts in helping professions to develop guidelines and cultural competencies for working with sexual minority populations (American Psychological Association, 2012; Boroughs et al., 2015).”

• cites American Psychological Association, 2012 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Boroughs et al., 2015 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

Cumulative experiences of rejection, stigmatization, harassment, and violence on individual and systemic levels based on one's identity can be conceptualized as trauma and can result in PTSD symptoms and a profound sense of invalidation, helplessness, and loneliness.

“Cumulative experiences of rejection, stigmatization, harassment, and violence on individual and systemic levels based on one’s identity can be conceptualized as trauma (Keating & Muller, 2020) and can result in PTSD symptoms and a profound sense of invalidation, helplessness, and loneliness (Cardona et al., 2022).”

• cites Keating & Muller, 2020 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Cardona et al., 2022 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Consistent with the principles of minority stress reduction, intersectionality, and trauma sensitivity, MBQR adopts an identity affirmative stance with an emphasis on resilience, self-empowerment, and healthy relations.

“Consistent with the principles of minority stress reduction, intersectionality, and trauma sensitivity, MBQR adopts an identity affirmative stance with an emphasis on resilience, self-empowerment, and healthy relations.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

This identity affirmative stance is especially important given psychological treatments' history of pathologizing and stigmatizing LGBTQ+ individuals.

“This is especially important given psychological treatments’ history of pathologizing and stigmatizing LGBTQ + individuals (Haldeman, 1994).”

• cites Haldeman, 1994 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

There are multiple pathways through which MBQR may alleviate the adverse impact of minority stress, including increasing attention control, enhancing emotional awareness and regulation, reducing reactivity to minority stress informed thoughts, cultivating self-compassion, and lowering behavioral avoidance.

“As shown, there are multiple pathways through which MBQR may alleviate the adverse impact of minority stress, including increasing attention control, enhancing emotional awareness and regulation, reducing reactivity to minority stress informed thoughts, cultivating self-compassion, and lowering behavioral avoidance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Because the study was advertised as mindfulness-related research for sexual minority men, the authors may have oversampled those with an interest in and openness to mindfulness.

“First, as the study was advertised as mindfulness-related research for sexual minority men, we may have oversampled those with an interest in and openness to mindfulness.”