Sexual and gender minority stress and risky sexual behaviors: a meta-analysis of current literature

Introduction: Research on sexual and gender minorities demonstrates a significant relationship between identity related stress and risky sexual behavior. Minority stress theory claims that stressors unique to the sexual and gender minority community may explain the high prevalence rates and the risk of negative health outcomes, including risky sexual behaviors. With the observed high stress levels within this community, sexual and gender minority stress may be a significant risk factor and may explain the origins of risky sexual behaviors, as well as provide insight into a population that is understudied. Method: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between sexual and gender minority stress and risky sexual behaviors (k= 19, N=15,393). Results: Overall, sexual and gender minority stress was significantly positively related to sexual risk behavior (r=0.343). Contrary to our hypothesis, exploratory analyses found no significant difference between proximal and distal SGM stressors, sexual minority stress and gender minority stress. Additionally, gender identity did not significantly affect the relationship in comparison to sexual identity. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this meta-analysis support that SGM stress is a significant risk factor for risky sexual behavior.