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Minority Stress Theory: Application, Critique, and Continued Relevance
June 2023
Minority stress theory explains how excessive exposure to social stress experienced by sexual minority populations due to their stigmatized social status leads to mental and physical health disparities. This study reviews recent developments in minority stress theory over the past two decades and its continued relevance in rapidly changing social and policy contexts.
Highlights
The minority stress model has been expanded to recognize the role of cisnormativity in shaping the experiences of gender minority individuals.
Minority stress has informed clinical and counseling interventions focused on SGM health and well-being disparities and school-based interventions.
Persistent stigma, prejudice, and discrimination makes minority stress a relevant and useful framework for improving the health of SGM people.