Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

Background: Numerous surveys have shown that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LBG) people report poorer mental health, including greater victimization, depression, stress, anxiety, substance use, and suicide, compared to non-LGB people. Suggested explanations for these inequities include exposure to discriminatory behaviour and stigmatization, isolation, low social supports, disclosure reactions, stressful life events, heterosexism, homophobia, and service utilization. Few Canadian studies examine the role of sexual orientation (SO) in mental health and service utilization in Canada. Research objectives & Methods: (1) To critically review and examine existing concepts, theories and measures underlying SO in the context of youth mental health. This work will be guided by (a) comprehensive literature review, informed by the Cochrane methods, and (b) secondary analysis of existing qualitative interviews (N=452, ages 15-29 years) to identify key constructs related to SO and gender identity as described from youth's perspectives. (2) To identify the effect of SO on self-perceived mental health in a nationally representative sample of Canadians. LGB Canadians are hypothesized to have lower perceived mental health compared to their heterosexual counterparts. (3) To examine mental health service utilization patterns in a nationally representative sample of Canadians, and conduct subgroup analyses that compare patterns across SO and gender identity categories. SO is hypothesized to be a significant predictor of mental health service utilization, with LGB youth reporting lower service utilization levels than non-LGB youth. For objectives 2-3, a series of logistic regressions will be performed using 2007-2008 Canadian Community Health Survey data, with additional subgroup analyses for youth aged 18-25. Relevance: The study will contribute to the empirical evidence base regarding SO, its measurement, and its links with perceived mental health and service utilizatio