An Examination of the Relationships Between Types of Strain and Substance Misuse Among Queer Adults
Program/Event
Undergraduate Research Showcase Spring 2025
Abstract
Current research has paid particular attention to outcomes of different strains using samples of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth; however, minimal research has examined Agnew's (1992) General Strain Theory (GST) using samples of SGM adults. Using a path analysis, this study seeks to investigate how different strains - including financial strain, relationship strain, and victimization - are predictive of drug misuse, and if those effects are mediated by negative mental health outcomes. The study utilizes Meyer's (2016) Generations Study and includes a sample of 1,518 SGM Americans. Results indicate that only financial strain is partially mediated by negative emotions, aligning with prior GST research indicating that financial hardship is one of the most consistent predictors of deviant behavior and negative mental health outcomes. Support services for SGM adults should target both external stressors and internal emotional responses, and should help with financial planning/assistance (e.g., finding income assistance) when possible to help reduce negative mental health outcomes and drug misuse.
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, Mckenzie T. and Mcmahon, Katelyn
(2025)
"An Examination of the Relationships Between Types of Strain and Substance Misuse Among Queer Adults,"
The Cardinal Edge: Vol. 3:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://ir.library.louisville.edu/tce/vol3/iss2/1