Anxiety and social experience stressors of LGBT in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) experiences mean the triggers and stressors for mental health are unique, even without considering cultural factors. This study uses data from the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a survey on LGBT-specific social experiences in order to determine which factors would be the most significant stressors for LGBT people in Thailand.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether LGBT in Thailand have a significant level of anxiety from social experience stressors, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and what the community believes are their most negative experiences.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from 100 LGBT Thai people (age 18 - 60 years) during August 2022 to March 2023. The sample group was asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which was separated into three sections: 1) personal information; 2) LGBT specific stressors from LGBT-centric experiences; and 3) state and trait anxiety determined by STAI. The data was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Over half of the sample group of Thai LGBT people were determined to have a level of state or trait anxiety (62.0% and 65.0% respectively). Demographic variables had almost no impact on LGBT anxiety at all. According to the logistic regression analysis, the main contributing factor to state anxiety was the acceptance of siblings and other family members, of the survey taker’s status as a LGBT person (P = 0.003), excluding parental figures. For trait anxiety, the most prevalent factors included the repercussions from coming out (P = 0.001) and general negative experiences with medical providers, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation (P = 0.004).

Conclusion: The LGBT population in Thailand appears to have significant levels of anxiety which have been affected by specific social experience stressors, and supports the theory in which members of the LGBT community may face less stress with the appropriate support systems.