Mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Citation:
Christopher Dietzel, Bamidele Bello, Brittany O’Shea, Jessie Cullum & Matthew Numer (2023): Mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review, Advances in Mental Health, DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2023.2248299
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse available literature on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: For this scoping review, six electronic databases were searched in three broad topic areas (the COVID-19 pandemic,
LGBTQ+ people, mental health) in April 2022. The search yielded 4,285 studies, and after screening them, 61 studies were included
in the final review, which were thematically analysed.
Results: Results were organised according to four themes: comparative effects of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ and
heterosexual cisgender people’s mental health; mental health impacts; differences in the mental health among LGBTQ+ people;
and protective and risk factors. LGBTQ+ people’s mental health was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly
when compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Some sub-populations of LGBTQ+ people were impacted more than
others, such as bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. Depression, anxiety, and stress/distress were the
most salient mental health issues, though loneliness, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and COVID-related fears were also prevalent.
LGBTQ+ people used substances, social media, dating apps, and pornography to cope with the pandemic.
Discussion: Gaps in the literature and study limitations are
identified, and recommendations for policy, health services, and
future research are offered.