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Byline: Belinda L. Needham (1), Erika L. Austin (1) Keywords: Sexual orientation; Parental support; Mental health; Health behavior Abstract: Some recent studies suggest that sexual minorities may have worse health-related outcomes during adolescence because they report lower levels of family connectedness, a key protective resource. Using data from wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 11,153 50.6% female mean age = 21.8 years), this study extends prior research on adolescents to young adults. We examine whether lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) young adults report lower levels of parental support than their heterosexual peers and whether differences in parental support help explain why LGB young adults tend to have worse health-related outcomes. We find that lesbian and bisexual women report lower levels of parental support than heterosexual women and that gay men report lower levels of parental support than bisexual and heterosexual men. Compared to heterosexual women, lesbian and bisexual women have higher odds of suicidal thoughts and recent drug use bisexual women also have higher odds of elevated depressive symptomatology and heavy drinking. Gay men have higher odds of suicidal thoughts than heterosexual men. With the exception of heavy drinking, parental support either partially or fully mediates each of the observed associations. Even though the transition from adolescence to young adulthood is characterized by increased independence from parents, parental support remains an important correlate of health-related outcomes during this stage of life. Sexual minorities report lower levels of parental support during young adulthood, which helps explain why they have worse health-related outcomes. Interventions designed to strengthen relationships between LGB young adults and their parents could lead to a reduction in health disparities related to sexual orientation. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Alabama at Birmingham, HHB 460K, 1530 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL, 35294-1152, USA Article History: Registration Date: 31/03/2010 Received Date: 21/01/2010 Accepted Date: 31/03/2010 Online Date: 10/04/2010

ALCOHOL USE IS PREVALENT in the lesbian community and has been conceptualized as a form of internalizing, self-injurious behavior undertaken in response to the chronic stress associated with sexual minority [...], Objective: Research has demonstrated a high frequency and intensity of alcohol use among lesbian women. This work explores age differences in risk factors for problematic alcohol use among self-identified Southern lesbians. Risk factors of interest include depression, general stress, and three measures of sexual minority stress (i.e., experiences of discrimination, lesbian/gay-related stigma, and internalized homophobia). Method: We analyze data from the Lesbian Social Life study, which recruited 1,141 self-identified Southern lesbians for participation in an anonymous Web-based survey. We present results from a series of regression models predicting scores on the CAGE scale, a self-reported measure of problematic alcohol use. Results are reported separately by age group (19-29, 30-49, [greater than or equal to] 50). Results: Frequent and in tense alcohol use was most common among lesbian women ages 19-29. Depression and stress were the most consistent psychosocial correlates of problematic alcohol use, although these patterns varied by age. Each of the minority stress measures was associated with problematic alcohol use, although no clear age-related pattern appeared. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that depression and stress are strong predictors of problematic alcohol use among lesbians, which is comparable to previous findings in heterosexual populations. Additional research is needed to understand how the association between sexual minority stress and problematic alcohol use changes across the life course. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 71, 295-298, 2010)

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.03.028 Byline: Luis Ortiz-Hernandez (a), Blanca Lilia Gomez Tello (a), Jesus Valdes (b) Abstract: Evidence of health inequities associated with sexual orientation has been gathered for industrialized countries. The situation for lesbians, gay males, and bisexuals (LGB) from middle- or low-income countries may be worse than those in industrialized nations. Here, we analyze the relationship of sexual orientation with self-rated health and cigarette and alcohol use among a representative sample of Mexican adolescents and youths between the ages of 12 and 29 years, in order to explore whether this association is mediated by discrimination and violence. Three dimensions of sexual orientation (affective attraction, sexual behavior, and identity) were assessed. The outcomes were self-rated health and cigarette and alcohol use. Compared to heterosexuals, LGB youths more frequently smoked [greater than or equal to]6 cigarettes per day, reported having experienced family violence, having crimes perpetrated against them, and having experienced violations of their rights. Among males, gays and bisexuals exhibited a higher risk of poor health than heterosexuals. Compared to heterosexual women, lesbians and bisexual women were more likely to consume alcohol. Many differences in self-rated health and substance use according to sexual orientation were explained by having experienced discrimination and violence. We concluded that lesbian and bisexual females have a higher prevalence of cigarette and alcohol use. It is necessary to develop policies and programs aimed at the reduction of substance abuse among LGB youths (focusing on females who engage in sexual contact with persons of the same gender) and to work against discrimination and violence experienced by LGB people, particularly against non-heterosexual males. Author Affiliation: (a) Departamento de Atencion a la Salud, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, Calz. del Hueso 1100, Col. Villa Quietud, Del. Coyoacan, Distrito Federal 04960, Mexico (b) Departamento de Bioquimica, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados, Av. IPN 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico 07360 D.F., Mexico

Byline: Sharon Scales Rostosky (1), Fred Danner (1), Ellen D. B. Riggle (2) Keywords: Adolescent religiosity; Sexual minority youth; Gay; Lesbian; Bisexual Abstract: Despite interest in the role of religiosity in youth development and health behavior, few studies have examined these associations in sexual minority youth. Participants (n = 11,699) who were adolescents (wave 1) and young adults (wave 3) in the Add Health survey were used to examine proximal and distal religiosity by sexual identity group and to test group differences in associations between religiosity and alcohol use. Sexual minorities were less likely than heterosexuals to report a current religious affiliation. In young adulthood, heterosexual females reported significantly higher distal and proximal religiosity than heterosexual males and sexual minority young adults. From adolescence to young adulthood, religiosity in all three sexual identity groups (heterosexual, bisexual, gay/lesbian) significantly declined, with the largest effects found for the sexual minority groups. Distal and proximal religiosity scores were significantly associated with less alcohol use and less binge drinking among heterosexuals, but not among sexual minorities. Future studies of sexual minority youth and their religious contexts are suggested. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 245 Dickey Hall, Lexington, KY, 40506-0017, USA (2) Political Science and Gender and Women's Studies, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA Article History: Registration Date: 05/11/2007 Received Date: 07/09/2007 Accepted Date: 05/11/2007 Online Date: 15/11/2007 Article note: Dr. Rostosky and Dr. Riggle are co-founders of PRISM (Psychosocial Research Initiative on Sexual Minorities http://www.prismresearch.org).

ALTHOUGH RESEARCH ON DRINKING and drinking-related problems in women has increased dramatically in recent decades (e.g., Plant, 1997; Wilsnack and Beckman, 1984), less attention has been given to similarities and [...], Objective: Studies of alcohol use among lesbians have typically used convenience samples with uncertain generalizability or general population samples with small numbers of lesbians. Here we compare rates of high-risk and problem drinking in a large sample of Chicago-area lesbians and a national sample of age- and education-matched urban heterosexual women. Method: Data came from comparable face-to-face interviews with 405 self-identified Chicago-area lesbians and with 548 urban women from a U.S. national sample. Rates of hazardous drinking (heavy episodic drinking, intoxication, drinking-related problems, alcohol-dependence symptoms) were compared for exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, bisexual, mostly lesbian, and exclusively lesbian subgroups. Results: Exclusively heterosexual women had lower rates than did all other women on all measures of hazardous drinking. Exclusively heterosexual women also reported less childhood sexual abuse, early alcohol use, and depression. Bisexual women reported more hazardous drinking indicators and depression than did exclusively or mostly lesbian women. Conclusions: These results indicate that sexual minority women are likely to have elevated risks of hazardous drinking. The differences between lesbian and bisexual women suggest that more attention is needed to subgroup differences among sexual minority women. Health care providers need to know the sexual identity of their patients and how their sexual identity may affect their risks for hazardous drinking. Higher rates of childhood sexual abuse, early drinking, and depression among sexual minority women suggest that these experiences may be important in assessing and treating problems related to their drinking, and in developing prevention and early intervention strategies.

HEAVY DRINKING AMONG LESBIANS is perceived to be a serious and prevalent problem (Solarz, 1999; Department of Health and Human Services, 2000). However, although research on alcohol use among women [...], Objective: Although research on alcohol use among women has increased dramatically during the past several decades, relatively few studies have focused on lesbians, and almost none have included sufficient numbers of older lesbians or lesbians of color to permit comparative analyses. Using data from the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women Study (CHLEW), we examined drinking patterns and problems in a large and diverse sample of lesbians. Method: Structured interviews were conducted with 447 community-residing adult women (ages 18-83) who self-identified as lesbians (48% non-Hispanic white, 28% non-Hispanic black, and 20% Hispanic/Latina; the remainder were in the 'other' category). We used multivariate logistic regressions to examine and compare the prevalence of lifetime and 12-month problem-drinking indicators across four age and three racial/ethnic groups. Results: Unlike findings from general population surveys, in which women's rates of drinking tend to decrease with age, we found relatively few differences across the four age groups of CHLEW respondents. We also found no significant differences between Hispanic and white lesbians on any of the lifetime or 12-month problem-drinking indicators and only a few significant differences between white and black lesbians. Conclusions: As with heterosexual women, patterns of drinking and drinking-related problems among lesbians vary by age and race/ ethnicity. However, given our findings of substantially smaller variations among lesbians than among women in the general population, research is needed that examines in greater depth the intersections between age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and drinking. Understanding how these sociocultural factors interact with each other and with other known risk factors is important for identifying population groups at greatest risk for developing alcohol-related problems.

Research indicates that lesbians who frequent bars are more likely to drink and that lesbians drink more than their heterosexual counterparts. We explored in detail the consequences of lesbians' bar attendance. We conducted 35 in-person, semi-structured interviews and analyzed the data using qualitative methods. The findings are organized into the following categories: safety and support over the life course: lesbian identity development: reduction of stress: and social networks and intimate relationships. In each category, participants' stories are presented to highlight the health tradeoffs associated with bar patronage, the psychosocial importance of the bar, and the relationship between minority stress and alcohol use. Public health implications are discussed. doi: 10.1300/J013v44n02_06 KEYWORDS. Alcohol, bars, lesbians, alcohol problems, substance abuse

A review of the literature on the prevalence of alcohol use and problems among lesbians reveals that the few studies yielding information on this population are beset by design and methodological problems. Those factors possibly associated with higher risk status of lesbians are identified, as are gaps in the literature, and implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.

Until now, researchers have given relatively little attention to the drinking behavior of lesbians. Studies focusing on women's alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse have rarely asked about sexual orientation, [...]

An accepted notion within the rehabilitation community is that satisfaction with one's sexuality is highly correlated with productivity and social adjustment (Sha'ked, 1981; Trieschmann, 1980). Despite this notion, the topic [...]

Objectives. This study compared the prevalence of cigarette smoking and alcohol use among lesbians and bisexual women with that among heterosexual women Methods. Logistic regression models were created with data from an extensive member health survey at a large health maintenance organization. Sexual orientation was the primary predictor, and alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking were outcomes. Results. Lesbians and bisexual women younger than 50 yearn were more likely than heterosexual women to smoke cigarettes and drink heavily. Lesbians and bisexual women aged 20 to 34 reported higher weekly alcohol consumption and less abstinence compared with heterosexual women and older lesbians and bisexual women. Conclusions. Lesbians and bisexual women aged 20 to 34 years are at risk for alcohol use and cigarette smoking. (Am J Public Health. 2001;91: 976-979)

Concerns about dysfunctional alcohol use among lesbians and gay men are longstanding. The authors examined alcohol use patterns and treatment utilization among adults interviewed in the 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Sexually active respondents were classified into 2 groups: those with at least 1 same-gender sexual partner (n = 194) in the year prior to interview and those with only opposite-gender sexual partners (n = 9,714). The authors compared these 2 groups separately by gender. For men, normative alcohol use patterns or morbidity did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, homosexually active women reported using alcohol more frequently and in greater amounts and experienced greater alcohol-related morbidity than exclusively heterosexually active women. Findings suggest higher risk for alcohol-related problems among lesbians as compared with other women, perhaps because of a more common pattern of moderate alcohol consumption.

Although only a handful of studies have examined alcoholism among lesbians, high rates of alcoholism among lesbians are often reported. This study investigated the prevalence of alcoholism and its relation to feelings of alienation in samples of lesbian and heterosexual women. It was hypothesized that alienation would correlate with alcoholism. The sample consisted of 87 lesbian and 89 heterosexual women obtained from women's groups. Questionnaires included the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, the Dean Alienation Scale, and the Kinsey Rating Scale. Significant differences were found between lesbian and heterosexual women on alcoholism and on the Powerlessness subscale of the Dean. Alienation did not correlate with alcoholism in the lesbian sample. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service.' 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: Website: ] KEYWORDS. Alcoholism, lesbian, alienation, powerlessness, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Dean Alienation Scale

Alcohol use and problems associated with drinking are reportedly higher among lesbians than among heterosexuals. Extant theories, focused on intrapsychic variables and stressors inherent to the lesbian lifestyle, do not account for the wide variability in drinking practices and consequences reported by individual respondents to studies of this population. This paper examines bicultural competence, or the ability to function effectively within two cultures simultaneously, as a framework for understanding that variability and one that may also help to predict vulnerability and resistance to alcohol problems among lesbian social drinkers.

This study examines the potential utility of social norms-based approaches to reduce heavy alcohol use in lesbian community settings. In a sample of 278 Southern Californian lesbians recruited from social media networks to complete an online survey, the majority of participants overestimated the quantity of alcohol consumed by their lesbian peers and more frequent lesbian bar attendance was associated with elevated perceptions of how much other lesbians drink. Greater than 90% of participants expressed interest in receiving personalized normative feedback, suggesting that culturally tailored personalized normative feedback interventions focused on correcting perceptions of heavy drinking may be successful in mitigating the alcohol-related risks of lesbians in Southern California, and potentially beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite prior research on alcohol use within lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities, little attention has been paid to the unique experiences of lesbians who have struggled with chronic alcohol use. This study used in-depth, semistructured interviews and an interpretive phenomenological framework to explore the perceptions of past alcohol use of six currently sober lesbians between the years 2008 and 2009. Three major themes emerged: alcohol use as coping with internalized homophobia/homonegativity, alcohol use as coping with heterosexism, and the role of alcohol in LGB spaces. Discussion includes implications for counselors as well as directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual model linking stigma-related stress and lesbian women's alcohol use and related problems via social factors (i.e., social constraints and social isolation), depressive symptoms, and negative reinforcement drinking motives (i.e., coping and conformity) was tested. Self-identified lesbian women ( N = 1,048), age 18-35 years in the United States completed an online survey of discrimination, stigma consciousness, social isolation, social constraints, depressive symptoms, drinking motives, alcohol use, and related problems. The hypothesized path model showed excellent model fit. The predicted pathway of stigma-related stressors to alcohol outcomes via social factors, depressive symptoms, and coping/conformity motives was largely supported. Results highlight the importance of social factors in linking stigma-related stress to alcohol use and related problems among lesbians. Understanding the underlying social mechanisms connecting stigma to negative health outcomes may help inform intervention efforts to reduce alcohol use and related problems among lesbians and associated health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author describes the historical context for research on sexual minority women's drinking, including the age-old tendency to link homosexuality and alcoholism; the author summarizes gaps and limitations that characterized much of the research on sexual minority women's drinking over the past several decades and reviews recent literature to highlight progress in the field—with a particular focus on the author's own research related to risk and protective factors for heavy drinking and drinking-related problems among sexual minority women. The article concludes with a discussion of barriers to treatment for sexual minority women and recommendations for substance abuse treatment providers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Women who "come out" as lesbian must learn to cope with a stigmatized identity. Stress associated with the sexual identity development process is a commonly posed explanation for the high rates of "heavy drinking" and drinking consumption-related problems within this population. However, relatively little is known about the sexual identity development process in lesbians and even less about lesbians' drinking patterns during this process. Growing societal tolerance and visibility of sexual minorities over the past 35 years has likely created substantially different environments and experiences of coming out for individuals of different age cohorts. Data from the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study provided the opportunity to examine relationships between variables associated with lesbian identity development and alcohol use-related problems in three age cohorts of self-identified lesbians. The study's limitations are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]