It is important to note that some studies have not supported the psychological mediation framework (Austin et al., 2004; Wichstrom & Hegna, 2003; see also Ziyadeh et al., 2007 for different results by sex). However, in these studies, the general psychological processes were not examined in relation to specific stigma-related stressors. Whereas all LGB individuals share the same status, the perceived (and actual) stressors resulting from this status differ across individuals. Thus, status is an imprecise proxy for stress. Consequently, future studies should incorporate multiple measures of stigma-related stress in order to more directly distinguish status from stress.
