An alternative approach has focused on common risk factors in the form of general psychological processes. Within-group studies have supported the role of these processes as predictors of psychopathological outcomes in sexual minorities (e.g., Hatzenbuehler, Hilt, & Nolen-Hoeksema, in press; van Heeringen & Vincke, 2000; Walls, Freedenthal, & Wisneski, 2008). Moreover, between-group studies have shown that sexual minorities have higher levels of certain general psychological risk factors for psychopathology (Hatzenbuehler, McLaughlin, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2008; Plöderl & Fartacek, 2005; Safren & Heimberg, 1999), suggesting that general psychological processes may also be important for explaining disparities in psychopathology among LGB populations, relative to heterosexuals.
