1611 - EXTENDING THE CULTURAL SOCIALIZATION MODEL: LGBTQ+ SOCIALIZATION, IDENTITY PRIDE, INTERNALIZED STIGMA, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Session: D06S026 - Gender and Sexual Identity 1
AUTHORS:
Clements Zakary (Loyola University Chicago ~ Chicago ~ United States of America) , Skidmore Samuel (University of Miami ~ Coral Gables ~ United States of America) , Huynh Kiet (University of North Texas ~ Denton ~ United States of America)
Abstract text:
INTRODUCTION: LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of mental health issues than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. Minority stress theory identifies internalized stigma as a key risk factor, while identity pride is protective. Thus, more research is needed on promoting LGBQT+ well-being. One useful model, the Cultural Socialization Model, posits individuals with marginalized racial/ethnic identities develop a healthy sense of self when caregivers teach them positive aspects of their identity and prepare them for oppression (i.e., cultural socialization). This model has not been tested in LGBTQ+ samples.


PURPOSE: We tested the Cultural Socialization Model with LGBTQ+ adults to determine the influence of LGBTQ+ socialization on well-being, and indirect influence through LGBTQ+ internalized identity stigma and identity pride.


METHODS: Participants were 597 LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. Structural equation modeling tested hypotheses.


RESULTS: LGBTQ+ socialization was directly associated with greater well-being (β = .15, SE = .04, z = 3.93, p < .001). LGBTQ+ socialization was indirectly associated with greater well-being through identity pride (β = .07, SE = .02, z = 4.90, p < .001): higher levels of LGBTQ+ socialization predicted higher levels of identity pride, which in turn predicted greater well-being. In contrast, internalized stigma alone did not mediate the association between LGBTQ+ socialization and well-being. However, a significant serial mediation emerged: LGBTQ+ socialization predicted lower internalized stigma, which was associated with higher identity pride, which in turn predicted greater well-being (β = .02, SE = .01, z = 2.37, p < .001). The model accounted for 18% of the variance in psychological well-being.


CONCLUSIONS: Findings extend the Cultural Socialization Model to LGBTQ+ populations, highlighting the role of caregiver socialization in fostering well-being. Thus, identity pride may serve as a critical mechanism through which LGBTQ+ socialization promotes well-being. Interventions aiming to reduce stigma and enhance positive identity development may benefit from incorporating cultural socialization strategies.