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Cited by 436LGBTQ Health, Identity, and PolicyPosttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchChild Abuse and Trauma

Pervasive Trauma Exposure Among US Sexual Orientation Minority Adults and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

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Roberts, Andrea L., Austin, S. Bryn, Corliss, Heather L., Vandermorris, Ashley K., Koenen, Karestan C.·2010·American Journal of Public Health
DOI 10.2105/ajph.2009.168971PMC PMC2978167
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Abstract

Objectives. We assessed sexual orientation disparities in exposure to violence and other potentially traumatic events and onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a representative US sample. Methods. We used data from 34 653 noninstitutionalized adult US residents from the 2004 to 2005 wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Results. Lesbians and gay men, bisexuals, and heterosexuals who reported any same-sex sexual partners over their lifetime had greater risk of childhood maltreatment, interpersonal violence, trauma to a close friend or relative, and unexpected death of someone close than did heterosexuals with no same-sex attractions or partners. Risk of onset of PTSD was higher among lesbians and gays (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34, 3.06), bisexuals (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.38, 3.29), and heterosexuals with any same-sex partners (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.54, 2.74) than it was among the heterosexual reference group. This higher risk was largely accounted for by sexual orientation minorities’ greater exposure to violence, exposure to more potentially traumatic events, and earlier age of trauma exposure. Conclusions. Profound sexual orientation disparities exist in risk of PTSD and in violence exposure, beginning in childhood. Our findings suggest there is an urgent need for public health interventions aimed at preventing violence against individuals with minority sexual orientations and providing follow-up care to cope with the sequelae of violent victimization.

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  • Similar to other sexual and gender minority populations, sexual minority men, particularly men of color, are at heightened risk for trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms due to concomitant experiences of racism and heterosexism.

    “Similar to other sexual and gender minority populations, sexual minority men, particularly men of color, are at heightened risk for trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms due to the concomitant experiences of racism and heterosexism (Roberts et al., 2010).”

    From Mindfulness for Reducing Minority Stress and Promoting Health Among Sexual Minority Men: Uncovering Intervention Principles and Techniques (2022) · cites this paper as Roberts et al., 2010

    The Results report higher trauma exposure and PTSD risk among gay men than among the heterosexual reference group. The Discussion considers antigay bias and discrimination as possible contributors, but the paper does not establish that combined racism and heterosexism cause these disparities or show a particularly heightened risk among men of color. Page numbers were not provided in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [13]Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 1994 American Psychiatric Association Washington, DC Fourth Edition
  2. [25]Institute of Medicine Solarz AL Lesbian Health: Current Assessment and Directions for the Future 1999 National Academies Press Washington, DC 20669421

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Authors
Roberts, A. L., Austin, S. B., Corliss, H. L., Vandermorris, A. K., & Koenen, K. C.
Affiliations
Boston Children's Hospital (US)
ORCID
Venue
American Journal of Public Health
Publisher
American Public Health Association
Published
2010-12
Volume
100
Issue
12
Pages
2433-2441
ISSN
  • 0090-0036 (ISSN-L)
  • 1541-0048
DOI
10.2105/ajph.2009.168971
PMC
PMC2978167
OpenAlex
W2096123272
Cited by
436
References
65
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 32 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 36 · 2021: 37 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 18 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 18
FWCI
24.05
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Public Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Public Health Service (T71-MC00009-17.)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH017119, R01MH078928, K08MH070627)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (K01DA023610)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
Keywords
post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual minorities, sexual orientation disparities, trauma exposure, violence exposure, child abuse, interpersonal violence, LGBTQ health
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child Abuse, Female, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Minority Groups, Risk Factors, Sexual Behavior, Social Environment, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, United States, Violence

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