Identity processes, stressors and mental health in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic sexual minorities

Sexual minorities from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds face multiple forms of discrimination and may be at higher risk of poor mental health than White British people. Many of the risk factors for poor mental health are preventable social and psychological stressors, such as homonegativity, racism, and internalised homonegativity. Research has also identified potential protective factors, such as identity resilience, access to social support, and engagement with psychotherapy. This chapter provides a brief overview of minority stress theory, intersectionality, and identity process theory, which collectively can shed light on the relations between identity, stressors, and mental health in BAME sexual minorities, as well as the factors that may undermine or enhance mental health outcomes. The chapter concludes with a short case study and provides reflections on counselling and social psychological interventions that may reduce the risk of poor mental health in BAME sexual minorities.