Depressive symptoms among individuals identifying as asexual: a cross-sectional study.

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101563288 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2045-2322 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20452322 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Sci Rep Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: London : Nature Publishing Group, copyright 2011-

Depression*/epidemiology ; Sexual and Gender Minorities*/psychology ; COVID-19*/epidemiology ; COVID-19*/psychology; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Germany/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Aged ; Adolescent

Although asexuality became a growing research subject over the last decade, data on the mental health of individuals identifying as asexual is still rare. The key objective of the present study was to examine depressive symptoms among individuals identifying as asexual. Data of LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans*, Queer, Inter*, Asexual and/or + indicating others within the community) and cisgender heterosexual individuals was collected through an online survey during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Germany. The survey included questions about sexual and gender identity, depressive symptoms, and asexual identity. An analysis of N = 6601 participants was conducted. A total of n = 445 individuals identified as asexual. Regression results indicated identifying as asexual being significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms. Results suggest that individuals identifying as asexual represent a vulnerable group within the group of sexual minorities, one that fundamentally requires special psychosocial support, especially in times of pandemics.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)

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Keywords: Asexual identity; Depressive symptoms; LGBTQIA+; Mental health

Date Created: 20240712 Date Completed: 20240712 Latest Revision: 20240801

20240801

PMC11245514

10.1038/s41598-024-66900-6

38997430