#HASTalks is a seminar series curated by The Department of Health, Aging & Society at McMaster University.

Eddy Elmer is a PhD candidate in the Department of Sociology and Social Gerontology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is also Co-chair of the City of Vancouver 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee.

The Role of Minority Stress in Loneliness

Sexual and gender minorities around the world experience greater loneliness compared to the general population, a factor likely contributing to the physical and mental health disparities in these communities. This heightened vulnerability may be due to the pervasive influence of minority stress. This presentation will summarize research with 7,856 sexual and gender minority adults around the world. It will show evidence for a model in which minority stress is associated with loneliness, notably through the influence of social anxiety and inhibition. The presentation will also describe age and gender variations in the prevalence of minority stress and loneliness, along with a test of the loneliness model across age and gender groups. The role of community involvement as a protective factor will also be explored.

ALL are welcome to attend this FREE session! Register for this event via Zoom

Please note: This session may be recorded. Please be aware that any materials entered, exchanged, or viewed by participants during the session may be recorded.