Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1566-8532

Date of Award

Summer 8-11-2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling and Psychological Services

First Advisor

Dr. Franco Dispenza

Second Advisor

Dr. Catherine Y. Chang

Third Advisor

Dr. Erin Mason

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Rafe McCullough

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Life satisfaction and resilience are understudied, but important psychosocial constructs in the lives of sexual minority persons with disabilities(SMPWDs; Hunter et al., 2020). This study examined the influence of multiple minority stressors on the life satisfaction and resilience of SMPWDs. This study also examined whether social support bolsters life satisfaction and resilience in relation to minority stress. This study sought to answer the following questions: (a) What are the associations between ableist microaggressions, sexual orientation microaggressions, self-stigma, perceived social support, resilience, and life satisfaction? (b) To what degree do ableist microaggressions, sexual orientation microaggressions, self-stigma, perceived social support, resilience, and perceived support uniquely predict life satisfaction and resilience? (c) To what degree does perceived social support moderate the relationship between minority stress and resilience? (d) To what degree does perceived social support moderate the relationship between minority stress and life satisfaction?

Approximately 257 SMPWD were recruited through social media sites to complete an online Qualtrics survey. The Ableist Microaggressions Scale (Conover et al., 2017), the Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (Nadal, 2019), the Self-Stigma Scale (Mak, & Cheung, 2010), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988) were used to examine study constructs. Additionally, the Brief Resilience Scale (Smith et al., 2008) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) were used to assess study outcomes. Responses of 257 participants were analyzed using bivariate correlations, two separate blockwise hierarchical regressions, and Haye’s moderation PROCESS macro in SPSS. To varying degrees, ableist microaggressions, sexual orientation microaggressions, self-stigma, and social support were significant correlates and predictors of life satisfaction and resilience. Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicate that while social support does not uniquely predict resilience, social support does uniquely predict life satisfaction. Social support did not moderate the relationship between minority stress and resilience or minority stress and life satisfaction among sexual minority persons living with disabilities. Implications for counselor education, clinical practice, and research are discussed.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/18735371

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