Minority Stress as a Risk Factor for Depression Symptoms and Sleep Disturbance among Sexual Minority Individuals: The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Dysregulation

Abstract Introduction Although recent research indicates that sexual minority individuals are at greater risk of sleep disturbance compared to their heterosexual counterparts, the mechanisms underlying these disparities remain poorly understood. This study examines the relationships between minority stress, cognitive and emotional dysregulation, and sleep disturbance among sexual minority individuals. Methods A total of 1,457 sexual minority individuals were involved in the study. They completed a questionnaire assessing minority stress, cognitive and emotional dysregulation, depression symptoms, and sleep disturbance. Results Heterosexist discrimination and internalized heterosexism were positively associated with sleep disturbance. Heterosexist discrimination was linked to rumination and catastrophizing, which in turn were associated with depression symptoms and sleep disturbance. Similarly, internalized heterosexism showed significant indirect associations with sleep disturbance via rumination, catastrophizing, and depression symptoms. Additionally, bisexual and pansexual individuals exhibited greater vulnerability to sleep disturbance and stronger associations between heterosexist discrimination and sleep disturbance compared to gay men and lesbian women. Conclusions This study emphasizes the need to address minority stress as a significant determinant of sleep disturbance among sexual minority individuals. Policy Implications The findings have important implications for cognitive-behavioral interventions and sleep hygiene education tailored to sexual minority individuals experiencing sleep difficulties.