Sexual stigma, social support, and mental health among sexual minority students in Dutch higher education

Background

Sexual minority students experience poorer mental health than their heterosexual peers. Based on the minority stress theory, sexual stigma is considered a key risk factor, while the buffering hypothesis suggests that social support may mitigate the negative effects of stigma. Purpose This study examined whether the relationship between perceived public stigma toward non-heterosexuality at university and mental health is mediated by internalized sexual stigma, and whether perceived social support from peer students moderates this relationship.

Method

In a cross-sectional study, 248 sexual minority students enrolled in Dutch higher education completed an online survey. Data were analyzed using correlation and (moderated) mediation analyses. Results Perceived public stigma and internalized stigma were negatively associated with mental health, while perceived peer support was positively associated with mental health and negatively associated with both forms of stigma.

The mediation analysis revealed a significant negative indirect effect of perceived public stigma on mental health through higher internalized stigma. Perceived peer support did not moderate these associations. Conclusion Among sexual minority students, higher perceived public stigma toward non-heterosexuality at university is associated with poorer mental health, both directly and indirectly through higher internalized sexual stigma.

Perceived peer support does not buffer this association, yet it contributes to better mental health. Therefore, universities should address public stigma and foster a supportive learning environment to enhance students’ mental health.