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Identity affirmation is associated with adaptive cardiovascular flexibility in response to stress among sexual and gender minority people of color.

Authors :
Ghabrial, Monica A.
Andersen, Judith P.
Source :
Social Science & Medicine. Mar2023, Vol. 320, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Research with sexual and gender minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, asexual, trans, non-binary) people of Color (SGM-PoC) has largely focused on risk and negative health outcomes. The existing strengths-based mental health research suggests that identity affirmation may be associated with psychological resilience and good mental health among SGM-PoC, but little is known about predictors of physiological resilience and biomarkers of physical health in this population. Adaptive cardiovascular flexibility is an indicator of physiological resilience and physical health in that it enables the body to mobilize resources to adapt to challenges. This study explored the association between identity affirmation and physiological resilience, observed through cardiovascular flexibility in response to stress among SGM-PoC. Participants were 95 SGM-PoC of varying ethnoracial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, residing in Canada. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic and psychosocial variables, including a measure of identity affirmation, the Queer People of Color Identity Affirmation Scale (QPIAS). In a laboratory setting, we induced stress using the Trier Social Stress Test and measured heart rate variability (HRV) over time using wearable electrocardiogram devices. Results from multilevel modeling analyses revealed that high QPIAS scores were associated with adaptive cardiovascular flexibility, as evidenced by reduced HRV during stress exposure, followed by HRV increase during recovery. As QPIAS scores increased, the shape of HRV trajectory increasingly reflected our predicted pattern of adaptive cardiovascular flexibility. Meanwhile, low QPIAS scores were not associated with this pattern and appeared to predict a more flatlined HRV activity during the experiment. Findings indicate that Queer People of Color identity affirmation may be related to physiological resilience, observed through a more adaptive cardiovascular profile when responding to stress. Identity affirmation may thus be a protective factor for SGM-PoC, pointing to the critical importance of affirming resources and strengths-based health research. [Display omitted] • Identity affirmation was measured with the Queer People of Color Identity Affirmation Scale. • HRV trajectories during lab-induced stress varied significantly by identity affirmation score. • As identity affirmation scores increase, cardiovascular activity increasingly reflects a healthy profile. • The hypothesis that identity affirmation would be associated wtih physiological resilience was supported. • Identity affirmation may be a psychological resource that supports healthy functioning for Queer and Trans People of Color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02779536
Volume :
320
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Social Science & Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
162010662
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115703