title: Aspects of mental health among older lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.
abstract: This study examined aspects of mental health among 416 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults aged 60 to 91 years old, attending social and recreational programs. Mental health indicators were perceived mental health status; self-esteem; internalized homophobia; loneliness; alcohol and drug abuse; and suicidality. Better mental health was correlated with higher self-esteem, less loneliness, and lower internalized homophobia. Compared to women, men reported significantly more internalized homophobia, alcohol abuse, and suicidality related to their sexual orientation. Less lifetime suicidal ideation was associated with lower internalized homophobia, less loneliness, and more people knowing about participants' sexual orientation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA. ard@psu.edu
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: D'Augelli
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Grossman
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hershberger
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: O'Connell
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors