An exploration of mental health in LGBTQ+ veterans

Abstract

Research indicates that LGBTQ+ veterans suffer from mental health difficulties at higher rates compared to non-LGBTQ+ veterans. Minority Stress Theory explains this disparity by postulating that, as a marginalised group, LGBTQ+ individuals are exposed to experiences of discrimination, leading to a higher prevalence of mental health difficulties. However, there has thus far been little research that has sought to understand mental health in LGBTQ+ veterans. The current thesis aims to explore mental health in LGBTQ+ veterans, comprising of an introductory chapter, an empirical paper and a systematic review.The empirical paper used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore mental wellbeing and help seeking in UK LGBTQ+ veterans. Six veterans were recruited and took part in semi-structured interviews. The main themes that arose from the analysis were: (1) The journey to accepting my LGBTQ+ identity, (2) Systemic failures, discrimination, and marginalisation, (3) Camaraderie: forming bonds and finding kinship, and (4) The importance of person-centred care. The results of this paper highlighted the unique struggles that UK LGBTQ+ veterans have faced, whilst also recognising important protective factors. Clinical implications include the use of person-centred care, peer support, and staff training. The systematic review investigated the association between mental health outcomes and discrimination in LGBTQ+ veterans. Thirteen studies were included in the review. A weighted mean (proportionate to the sample size) found that 47.2% of study participants reported experiencing discrimination, and 62% of the studies found a significant relationship between discrimination and mental health outcomes. Post-traumatic stress disorder was found to have the strongest evidence base in the association with discrimination. However, all studies were correlational and therefore causation cannot be concluded. Clinical implications highlighted the importance of staff training and trauma-informed approaches for LGBTQ+ veterans