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Using a Social Justice Approach to Prevent the Mental Health Consequences of Heterosexism

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Abstract

Albee’s social justice approach to prevention offers a framework for understanding the detrimental effect of heterosexism on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Minority stress models likewise address the role of discrimination and other social injustices in contributing to psychological distress in minority populations. This article describes Albee’s framework in the context of minority stress theory as it applies to LGB people and suggests activities mental health professionals can engage in to help prevent the psychological consequences of heterosexism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA, USA

    Connie R. Matthews

  2. Elizabeth Road, State College, PA, 16801, USA

    Connie R. Matthews

  3. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA

    Eve M. Adams

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  1. Connie R. Matthews
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  2. Eve M. Adams
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Correspondence to Connie R. Matthews.

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Matthews, C.R., Adams, E.M. Using a Social Justice Approach to Prevent the Mental Health Consequences of Heterosexism. J Primary Prevent 30, 11–26 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-008-0166-4

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