Self-Criticism and Subjective Emptiness Among Gay and Bisexual Men: A Latent Profile Analysis

Introduction Self-criticism and subjective emptiness have been identified as possible transdiagnostic risk factors for various mental disorders. Guided by minority stress theory, this cross-sectional study revealed different latent profiles of these two theorized risk factors and their associations with childhood gender nonconformity and self-stigma.
Methods A sample including 366 gay and bisexual men was employed in the current study, using latent profile analysis to explore their self-criticism and subjective emptiness vulnerability profiles.
Results Results of latent profile analysis identified four possible profiles based on distinct combinations of self-criticism and subjective emptiness, including low-, mild-, moderate-, and high-level risk profiles. In addition, the profiles were differentially associated with self-stigma and childhood gender nonconformity.
Policy Implications We hope our findings will encourage Chinese gay and bisexual men to actively deal with underlying psychological processes and attempt to reconcile with themselves. We also suggest that the relevant personnel engaged in psychological counseling, psychotherapy, psychological services, and clinicians should pay attention to their clients’ self-criticism and subjective emptiness experience when assisting these populations. Policies should support and encourage society to jointly create a relaxed and inclusive environment.
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.