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Biomarkers of allostatic load mediate stress and disease: a prospective structural equation model

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dc.contributor.authorOutland, Pearl L., author
dc.contributor.authorHarman, Jennifer, advisor
dc.contributor.authorPrince, Mark, committee member
dc.contributor.authorMyers, Brent, committee member
dc.contributor.authorForssell, Stephen, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2019-09-10T14:36:07Z
dc.date.available2019-09-10T14:36:07Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractMinority stress theory is often cited as the explanation behind physical health disparities for sexual minority individuals, but the exact mechanism linking a stigmatizing social environment to outcomes of disease is not well understood. This study sought to bridge minority stress theory with the theory of allostatic load in physiology. A sequential mediation model was hypothesized, in which sexual orientation would predict higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more chronic conditions, mediated via two intervening variables: everyday discrimination and allostatic load. Using data from the MIDUS, N = 495 participants (n = 45 sexual minority) were followed prospectively from 1995 -2015. No differences by sexual orientation were found for cancer or cardiovascular disease. Being a sexual minority, experiencing more everyday discrimination, and having a higher allostatic load score were all significantly associated with having a greater number of chronic conditions. Mediation and the indirect effect were not fully supported. This study was an important first step in beginning to identify the causal pathways that link sexual minority stress to disease. Further research that uses more comprehensive measures of multi-dimensional minority stress, and/ or that consider alternative operationalizations of physiological functioning are needed to better elucidate the exact process.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierOutland_colostate_0053A_15596.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/197367
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectbiomarkers
dc.subjectminority stress
dc.subjectLGBT
dc.subjectallostatic load
dc.titleBiomarkers of allostatic load mediate stress and disease: a prospective structural equation model
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychology
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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