In addition to the traditional moderator variables reviewed above, it is plausible that identity-specific processes may also influence the experience of both stressors and general psychological processes, which could in turn intensify or attenuate the relationships outlined in the framework. For example, individuals who are high in group identification (i.e., view their social identity as a fundamental part of their self-concept) are more likely to perceive discrimination (Major & O’Brien, 2005) and may also be more likely to ruminate over perceived threats that are related to their group identity (i.e., LGB status). In contrast, individuals who have fully integrated their sexual minority identity into other identities (e.g., gender, professional) may perceive fewer stressors, and may also experience fewer general psychological processes conferring risk for psychopathology (e.g., hopelessness, social isolation). Indeed, an integrated identity is conceptualized as optimal in identity development models (Eliason, 1996). These and other identity-specific processes (e.g., stigma consciousness; Pinel, 1999) should therefore be included in future studies as potential moderators of the mediation processes advanced in this paper. Inclusion of these variables will provide important information regarding individual vulnerabilities to stress, general psychological processes and the development of psychopathology in sexual minorities.
