Psychological distress in African American lesbian and heterosexual women

T. Hughes, A. Matthews, L. Razzano, F. Aranda

Similarities and differences in indicators of psychological distress, risk factors for distress, and methods of coping were assessed in African American lesbians and heterosexual women. Despite similar rates of risk factors, lesbians reported more indicators of psychological distress and more frequent use of alcohol or other drugs in response to stress. In addition, findings reflect an overall trend toward higher rates of drinking, alcohol-related problems, and use of other legal and illegal drugs among lesbians.[Copies are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Center. The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA]