It is widely accepted that the LGB (Lesbian, gay and bisexual) population have a higher risk of psychological distress compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Meyer (2003) proposed the minority stress model to explain this increased prevalence. This model proposed that the LGB population are subjected to additional stressors due to their minority status which results in the increased psychological distress observed. The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the risk factors proposed by this model, specifically experiences of sexual prejudice, negative internalised beliefs about homosexuality/bisexuality, coping strategies and how these factors interact to influence the development of psychological distress. This study included 542 LGB individuals who completed measures of sexual prejudice, internalised homophobia, coping strategies and current levels of psychological distress using an online survey. The study found a high prevalence of sexual prejudice within the sample, with 84% of the sample reporting at least one experience of sexual prejudice. 67% reported being verbally abused and 17% reported being physically assaulted. A high number of participants scored above the cut-off for a diagnosis of depression (27%) and anxiety (19%). Regression and path analysis revealed that maladaptive coping had the strongest effect on psychological distress. Sexual prejudice and internalised homophobia, also both had a significant direct impact upon psychological distress, and they were also partially mediated by maladaptive coping. Problem-focused coping was found to be a protective factor with a direct, albeit weak, effect on psychological distress. Problem-focused coping also partially mediated the relationship between sexual prejudice and psychological distress, slightly reducing the negative impact of sexual prejudice. The results suggest that maladaptive coping was the greatest risk factor, out of the ones measured, in the development of psychological distress in the LGB population. The outcomes suggest that clinical psychologists may wish to target their interventions at the development of more adaptive coping strategies, and the reduction of internalised homophobia. They should consider ways to reduce experiences of sexual prejudice by working at a community level to reduce the stigma of homosexuality/bisexuality.

The purpose of the study was to explore the complex ways in which chemsex and internalised homophobia may be linked. The study sought to: Elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia; determine the challenges experienced by gay men and how psychoactive drugs influence their sexual relationships with other men; and also explore a possible relationship between chemsex and internalised homophobia. The study hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges that are faced by gay people and the reasons why some gay men participate in chemsex. A total of eleven participants were identified from an LGBTIQ+ friendly drug rehabilitation centre and a gay bath house in Cape Town. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study by conducting semi structured interviews with each participant. The theoretical framework used to elucidate the concept of internalised homophobia among the LGBTIQ+ community was underpinned by the minority stress model. This model was used to explain the concepts of homophobia and internalised homophobia. The methodological framework used was qualitative research, which focuses on the stories of individuals and is concerned with the social construction of the individual’s life, and specifically Thematic Analysis which assisted in identifying patterns or themes in people’s accounts. The findings were that even though there is a relationship between internalise homophobia and chemsex, there are many other factors and influences that play a role, such as the individuals' backgrounds, their experiences in coming out as gay, and other life circumstances. In conclusion, the study suggests that there is much more that can be done to break down the stigma and prejudice facing the LGBTIQ+ community, which is a first step towards addressing the chemsex phenomenon and related psychological consequences. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)