experience more distress following prejudice-inspired events than optimistic women (Kaiser, Major, & McCoy, 2004). Although this study did not specifically address sexual orientation, it provides evidence for pessimism as a moderator, but not mediator, of the stigma-distress association. Support for mediation comes from a longitudinal study of (bereaved) gay men. Stigma-related stress led to greater pessimism, which in turn predicted internalizing symptoms over the 18 months of the study (Hatzenbuehler, Hilt, & Nolen-Hoeksema, in press).
