A new meta-analysis combining data from 28 studies suggests that sexual and gender minorities are not only at increased risk of mental health problems, but also have more difficulty in regulating their emotions. This is usually ascribed to “minority stress,” but that thesis is undercut by the finding that bisexuals experienced greater problems with emotional regulation than exclusive gays and lesbians, even though bisexuals are better able to “pass” as cisgender and heterosexual.
Although not part of this meta-analysis, a new article in the Journal of Happiness Studies, based on the Spring 2022 National College Health Assessment, with over 50,000 students, confirmed this result, with sexual and gender minorities rating significantly lower on indices of purposeful living, daily engagement, and self-rated competency. Bi-sexual, questioning, and asexual students rated lowest of all groups. Could it be that these groups have the least sense of belonging to a community?
