Sexuality Minority Status, Victimization, Mental Health, and Substance Use

<i>Background:</i> Prior research suggests that sexual minority status is related to victimization, mental health issues, and substance use. However, few studies have sought to connect these relationships in a way supported by theory, and fewer have utilized probability and/or nationally representative samples. <i>Objective:</i> The current study seeks to test the relationships among these variables, guided by general strain theory (GST). <i>Methods:</i> One wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health dataset (Add Health) (<i>N</i> = 14,121) and path modeling in Mplus are utilized. Results: Models run separately by race/ethnicity suggest that the relationship among these variables largely support expectations from GST, but with some notable differences by race/ethnicity. <i>Conclusion:</i> Results suggest a relationship among these variables that concurs with criminological theorizing. Implications and limitations are discussed.