Self-esteem, according to previous research, has been found to be associated with the development of depression and maintenance of anxiety disorders. This association has been extended to sexual minority population, with self-esteem being tied to higher rates of suicide in LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) people. High self esteem, on the other hand, is associated with reduced risk of depression in LGB people. 

Self Esteem and mental health

When sexual minority people perceive stigma or discrimination from heterosexual population, this reduces their perceived value by the majority social group and self-esteem would lower as a result. Proximity stressors, such as internalized homophobia or internalized oppression could also negatively affect self esteem of sexual minorities. This particular association has been found in lesbian peoples. 

Impact of minority stress on self-esteem

self-esteem has also been found to be a mediator between minority stress and mental health in sexual minorities. For instance, internalized homophobia leads to distress through low self-esteem. This has been found in lesbian women, bisexual youth, and gay men.

Self-Esteem as mediator between minority stress and mental health

Self-esteem may have contributed to mental health problems in sexual minority populations. Hatzenbuehler's Minority Stress Theory proposes the mental health disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual populations are caused by increased risk of psychological risk factors.

Levels of self-esteem in sexual minority and heterosexual individuals


1. Self esteem and mental health
2. Impact of Minority stress on self esteem
3. self-esteem as Mediator between minority stress and mental health
4. levels of self-esteem in sexual minority and heterosexual individuals

Pepperdine University

Studies have shown that self-esteem is lower in sexual minority populations than heterosexual population. There is one main theory for this disparity:
-Minority Stress theory


Sexual Orientation Differences in the Self-Esteem of Men and Women

Bridge, L., Smith, P., & Rimes, K. A. (2019). Sexual orientation differences in the self-esteem of men and women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 6(4), 433–446. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000342

Sexual Orientation Difference in the Self-Esteem of Men  and Women

Factors associated with self-esteem

There are mixed findings about levels of self-esteem in sexual minorities compared to heterosexual people. This could be explained by moderators, the factors that  moderate self-esteem and increase levels of minority stress or its impact. Such moderators are:
• gender and Gender Identity
• Sexual minority orientation
• Age
• Sampling Issues

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