Term of Award

Summer 2014

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

C. Thresa Yancey

Committee Member 1

Jeff Klibert

Committee Member 2

Bryant Smalley

Committee Member 3

Larry Locker

Abstract

Most research involving lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals residing in rural areas is either qualitative or restricted in geographic area. Consequently, the purpose of the current study was to determine if differences exist between rural and non-rural LGB individuals in risk factors and psychological outcomes. Seven hundred forty-seven LGB individuals completed self-report surveys examining risk factors and psychological outcomes. Results indicated that LGB individuals residing in rural areas reported higher levels of negative psychological outcomes as well as higher levels of some risk factors than their non-rural counterparts. Specifically, perceived social support, experiences of victimization/discrimination, and comfort disclosing sexual identity accounted for a significant amount of the variance for psychological distress for LGB individuals in rural areas. Comfort disclosing sexual identity to others, experiences of victimization/discrimination, identification with fundamental religious beliefs, and involvement in the LGB community explained variance in LGB identity development for rural participants. Lastly, thwarted belongingness was predicted by perceived social support, comfort in disclosing sexual identity to others, and involvement in the LGB community for LGB individuals in rural areas. Research, theoretical, and mental health implications were explored.

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