The mediator role of internalized homophobia and self‐compassion in the relationship between attachment styles and depression among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of internalized homophobia and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment styles and depression among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. The participants of the study consisted of 886 LGB individuals whose ages range from 18 to 30 (X ̅=22.73, Sd=3.54). In collecting the data, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECRI- II), Self-Compassion Scale, Internalized Homophobia Scale (for Gay and Bisexual men), Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Demographic Information Form developed by the researcher were used. Within the context of the study, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was performed to test the proposed models and Maximum Likelihood was implemented as estimation method. In the findings of the study, it was found that internalized homophobia partially mediated the relationship between anxious attachment and depression among men whereas self-compassion didn't play a mediating role in this relationship. On the other side, an indirect effect through self-compassion and internalized homophobia appeared in the relationship between avoidant attachment and depression while another indirect effect was found in the relationship between anxious attachment and depression among woman by means of only internalized homophobia. Results were discussed in the frame of relevant literature and suggestions were made.