Factors associated with positive mental health well-being among elderly gay men| A systematic review of the literature

• Main Author: Trujillo, Ramiro A.
• Language: EN
• Published: California State University, Long Beach 2015
• Subjects: Social Work|GLBT Studies
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1588652

<p> This meta-analysis explores many contributing risk factors and adversities in older gay men, as well as contributing factors such as coping and survival strategies to reach positive mental health well-being. The meta-analysis reviews 35 studies within the last 10 years, and analyzes these studies for content. Results in this meta-analysis indicate that discrimination, stigmatization, bullying, living away from the city, and lack of education and understanding about the LGBT population were factors that affected the lives of many older gay men throughout their lives. Older gay men faced many adversities and ways of discrimination that led to mental health disorders in their lives. Findings indicate that some older gay men were able to cope with the adversities; some were not, leading to substance abuse and risky behaviors isolating them from reality. Research shows that many older gay men have isolated themselves from society in general due to discrimination factors and even from the LGBT community due to discrimination within the LGBT population (i.e., negative dynamics and negative statements between younger and older gay men). Implications for social work and multicultural social work practice, future research, and social policy on the LGBT were also discussed. </p>