James Graham's research while affiliated with University of New Mexico and other places

We tested the psychometric properties of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale. Findings included (1) a three-factor structure (i.e., Negative Identity, Identity Uncertainty, Identity Superiority); (2) less positive identities among HIV-positive persons, African Americans, males, and bisexuals; and (3) convergent patterns with subjective well-being and coping. Implications are discussed. © 2017 Robert J. Cramer, Alixandra C. Burks, Frank D. Golom, Caroline H. Stroud, and James L. Graham.

We tested the psychometric properties of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale. Findings included (1) a three-factor structure (i.e., Negative Identity, Identity Uncertainty, Identity Superiority); (2) less positive identities among HIV-positive persons, African Americans, males, and bisexuals; and (3) convergent patterns with subjective well-being and coping. Implications are discussed.

The present study examines two central research questions. First, we sought to add to current knowledge on the frequency and types of hate crime experiences in an urban sample. Also, drawing on existing frameworks for sexual minority specific (SMS) stress, we examined internalized SMS stress (defined by internalized homophobia and acceptance concerns regarding one's minority status) as a mediator of the association between hate crime victimization (i.e., objective or social SMS stress) and mental health symptoms (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, and general stress). Participants were 336 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community members who elected to participate in research at a community health agency in an urban southwestern United States jurisdiction. Results suggested (a) approximately one third of the sample reported lifetime hate crime victimization, with the most common types characterized by interpersonal, as opposed to property, crimes; (b) approximately half of participants reported their most recent victimization to law enforcement; and (c) internalized SMS stress mediated the relation between hate crime victimization and overall mental health symptoms. Findings are discussed with respect to implications of the unique nature of hate crimes in an urban setting, as well as theoretical and practical implications of SMS stress findings.

Internalized homophobia is common among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons; moreover, it can be associated with suicide proneness, among other mental health concerns. The present paper hypothesized cognitions concerning perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, as mediating pathways of the association of internalized homophobia and suicide proneness in a community sample of LGB persons. Further, prior hate crime victimization experiences, suicide attempt history, level of depressive symptoms, and gender were tested as moderators of the above mediation pathway. Participants consisted of 336 LGB community members from an urban primary care clinic. Results indicated that perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, mediated the relationship between internalized homophobia and suicide proneness Further, the following moderation patterns were observed: both gender (significant for males only) and depressive symptoms (significant for those with mild-to-severe levels of depressive symptoms) moderated the perceived burdensomeness pathway. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

The Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG) is a commonly used framework in research and public education despite limited psychometric evaluation to date. Previous literature argues for theory- or Principal Components Analysis (PCA)–driven KSOG models based on time (i.e., past, present, and future self-concept) across 7 dimensions, or nuanced factor structures combining time with general sexual orientation subscales. Using a sample of 277 self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community members in a low socioeconomic stats (SES) urban district, the present study exposed these KSOG models, as well as 2 single-factor total scores, to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We further tested evidence of disparities in past, present and future (ideal) scores, as well as the possibility of a unique factor structure in the present sample. Results showed the following: (a) significant, yet modestly sized, differences in past scores from present and ideal scores; (b) inadequate statistical fit of all previous KSOG factor structures; and (c) a complex and unique 3-factor structure in the present sample which also failed to display adequate fit after exposure to CFA modeling. Implications are discussed emphasizing KSOG refinement and careful consideration when using the KSOG in research, education, and practice. We also offer future research directions for additional KSOG development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

HIV-positive status poses a unique set of social stressors, especially among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. Among these difficulties are the internalization of HIV-related stigma and poor mental health. Unfortunately, substance use as a coping mechanism is also common, dependent on other demographic factors, among HIV-positive and LGB samples. The present study integrates these bodies of literature by examining main and interactive effects of HIV-related experiences (i.e., disclosure of HIV-positive status, fear of disclosure, HIV-related victimization, and internalized HIV-related stigma) and substance-related coping with discrimination as they impact mental health (i.e., stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and suicide and self-injury proneness). Participants were 216 HIV-positive LGB community members from an urban community medical clinic. Prominent results included: (1) robust negative effects of internalized HIV-related stigma on all mental health indicators when controlling for other HIV-related experiences and (2) a significant interaction in which substance-related coping significantly increases suicide proneness, only for those who have disclosed HIV-positive status to family or friends. Results are discussed with respect to theoretical perspectives of internalized stigma, implications for clinical work with LGB persons of HIV-positive status, and future research.

Sexual assault is unfortunately common, especially among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Yet, the associations of such victimization have not yet been extensively established in the areas of sexual identity and romantic relationship functioning. Accordingly, the present study examined the associations between lifetime sexual assault, LGB identity, and romantic relationship functioning in a sample of 336 LGB individuals. A history of sexual assault was associated with attachment anxiety and several sexual identity components (i.e., higher levels of acceptance concerns, identity uncertainty, internalized homonegativity, and identity superiority). Furthermore, an association of sexual assault and attachment avoidance was moderated by internalized homonegativity. Finally, a more secure LGB identity was associated with healthier romantic relationship functioning. Collectively, these findings are applicable to services for LGB sexual assault victims, suggesting the incorporation of treatment that bolsters LGB identity and couple functioning. Limitations and future directions are discussed. © The Author(s) 2014.

Suicide remains a concerning issue for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. The integrated effects of five-factor model personality traits and interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) constructs on suicide proneness in a community sample of 336 LGB adults were examined. Results supported a model inclusive of all five-factor model domains predicting IPTS constructs leading to suicide proneness. Effects of neuroticism and extraversion were both mediated by perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Thwarted belongingness mediated the effect of agreeableness on suicide proneness. Identified mediation pathways build on existing trait-interpersonal theory and may inform clinical services for sexual minority persons.