Cognitive and behavioural factors contributing to distress in LGBTQ+students: a prospective mediation study

Georgina Gnan, Qazi Rahman, Katharine A. Rimes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We applied a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model of psychological distress and examined cognitive and behavioural predictors and mediators of depression, anxiety and suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) students. LGBTQ + university students (N = 385) completed questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 2 months. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationship between baseline negative beliefs (about the self, others and the future) and depression, anxiety and suicidality 2 months later, via cognitive and behavioural response mediators (perseverative thinking, avoidance and self-compassion) assessed at 1 month. The final model demonstrated acceptable fit: χ 2 (16) = 73.36, p <.001, comparative fit index (CFI)=0.96, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI)=0.93, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.09 (90% CI [0.07–0.12]), standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) = 0.04, accounting for significant variance in depression/anxiety (48%) and suicidality (27%). For depression/anxiety, negative beliefs had a direct effect and an indirect effect via perseverative thinking and avoidance. For suicidality, negative beliefs had a direct effect. A cognitive behavioural conceptualization may improve our knowledge of the psychological mechanisms involved in depression, anxiety and suicidality in LGBTQ + students. Negative beliefs about the self, others or the future, perseverative thinking, and avoidance are promising targets for prevention and treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)274-281
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Review of Psychiatry
Volume34
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental Health

Keywords

  • CBT
  • gender identity
  • mental health
  • Sexual orientation

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