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Mental Health Stereotypes About Gay Men

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Abstract

Three studies were conducted to examine the mental health stereotypes about gay men among college student and therapist trainee samples. Results from Study 1 indicated that (a) college students and therapist trainees endorsed a stereotype of the mental health of gay men that was similar in terms of its content and strength, and (b) the stereotype was consistent with five DSM-IV-TR disorder categories: mood, anxiety, sexual and gender identity, eating, and personality disorders. In Study 2 and 3 we investigated whether homophobia or a tendency to report cultural beliefs could account for the lack of difference between college students and therapist trainees. Results did not support either explanation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Iowa State University, Ames, IA

    Guy A. Boysen, David L. Vogel & Stephanie Madon

  2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Stephen R. Wester

  3. Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, W112 Lagomarcino Hall, Ames, IA, 50011-3180

    Guy A. Boysen

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  1. Guy A. Boysen
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  2. David L. Vogel
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  3. Stephanie Madon
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  4. Stephen R. Wester
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Correspondence to Guy A. Boysen.

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Boysen, G.A., Vogel, D.L., Madon, S. et al. Mental Health Stereotypes About Gay Men. Sex Roles 54, 69–82 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-8870-0

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