HIV Insight: Structural Equation Modeling of the Effects of Racism, LGBTQ Discrimination & Internalized Oppression on Illicit Drug Use in LGBTQ People of Color

BACKGROUND:

Experiences with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) discrimination and racism have both been associated with mental health problems and illicit drug use. However, the cumulative effects of both forms of discrimination-and resulting internalized oppression-on illicit drug use in LGBTQ people of color (POC) has not been examined in the research literature.

METHODS:

Using online questionnaires, this study collected self-report data from 200 LGBTQ POC about their experiences with racism, LGBTQ discrimination, internalized racism, internalized LGBTQ discrimination, and illicit drug use.

RESULTS:

Two structural equation models yielded adequate fit indices in which experiences with racism and LGBTQ discrimination led to more internalized oppression, which then led to greater illicit drug use magnitude. LGBTQ discrimination was directly related to increased internalized oppression, which was positively associated with illicit drug use magnitude; the relationship between LGBTQ discrimination and illicit drug use magnitude was mediated by internalized oppression in both models. However, racism and the interaction between racism and LGBTQ discrimination did not show valid direct effects on internalized oppression or indirect effects on illicit drug use magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS:

LGBTQ POC can be the targets of both racism and LGBTQ discrimination, although the current study found that the most psychologically damaging effects may come from LGBTQ discrimination. Interventions meant to decrease or prevent illicit drug use in LGBTQ POC may benefit from helping participants examine the links among LGBTQ discrimination, internalized oppression, and illicit drug use as a coping strategy, focusing on substituting more adaptive coping.

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By: Drazdowski TK1, Perrin PB2, Trujillo M1, Sutter M1, Benotsch EG1, Snipes DJ1.

1Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 810 W. Franklin Street, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, United States.
2Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 810 W. Franklin Street, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, United States. Electronic address: pperrin@vcu.edu.
Drug Alcohol Depend. 2016 Jan 4. pii: S0376-8716(15)01844-X. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.12.029.