Prevalence and influence of homophobic violence on depressive symptomatology and the level of self-esteem

Abstract

Gay and bisexual people constitute a group on which violence is exercised. This study analyses the prevalence and influence exerted by homophobic violence suffered throughout life on depressive symptoms and the level of self-esteem. The sample is made up of 730 homosexual or bisexual people with ages between 18 and 60 years (M = 28.47; SD = 8.81). The results indicate that between 29.6% and 76.7% have received psychological or verbal violence and between 4.2% and 19.6% have suffered physical violence throughout their lives. Significant differences according to gender are also obtained, with men reporting higher victimization rates. Regression analysis show that victimization as laughter, teasing, hitting and shoving decreases the level of self-esteem and increases depressive symptoms. These results are discussed in relation to the need of implementing educational programs that prevent this type of violence or, at least, reduce its repetition for prolonged periods.