Although this approach has confirmed the predictive validity of general psychological processes in the development of psychopathological outcomes, it cannot explain mental health disparities. In order to do so, this line of research must produce evidence from between-group analyses that the general psychosocial processes conferring risk for psychopathology are more prevalent among sexual minorities relative to heterosexuals. Currently, there is a growing body of research providing support for this point (see Table 1). Indeed, compared to heterosexuals, LGB populations exhibit elevations in general psychological risk factors, including hopelessness (Plöderl & Fartacek, 2005; Russell & Joyner, 2001; Safren & Heimberg, 1999), low self-esteem (Plöderl & Fartacek, 2005; Wichstrom & Hegna, 2003; Ziyadeh et al., 2007), emotion dysregulation (Hatzenbuehler, McLaughlin, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2008; Matthews, Hughes, Johnson, Razzano, & Cassidy, 2002), social isolation (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006; Plöderl & Fartacek, 2005; Safren & Heimberg, 1999; Wichstrom & Hegna, 2003), permissive social norms for alcohol and tobacco use (Austin et al., 2004; Hatzenbuehler, Corbin, & Fromme, 2008a; Trocki, Drabble, & Midanik, 2005), and positive expectancies for drinking (Hatzenbuehler, Corbin, & Fromme, 2008a; Ziyadeh et al., 2007).
