DAILY STRESS AND WELL-BEING AMONG LESBIAN, GAY, AND BISEXUAL ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Surachman, A; Wardecker, B M; Almeida, D M
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Relatively little is known about lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people's experiences during their day-to-day lives, such as their daily physical symptoms and emotional states that relate to their overall health and well-being. In the current study, we investigated the associations between sexual orientation and daily reports of stress, physical symptoms, and negative emotion. Data were from 3, 330 participants aged 25 to 74 (Mage = 50.02; 54.83% female; 3.2% LGB) who completed the daily diary portion of the Midlife in the US (MIDUS) study. Compared to heterosexual participants, LGB adults reported a higher number of both daily stressors (e.g., interpersonal tensions) and daily physical symptoms (e.g., headaches) as well as more daily negative affect (e.g., loneliness). Daily stressors and well-being are one possible pathway through which sexual minority status may lead to disparities in health. We will discuss how daily experiences may shape the way LGB people age.