# Effects of Social Networks and Policy Context on Health among Older Sexual and Gender Minorities in the US South

> **NIH NIH R01** · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $396,364

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Older sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience significant disparities in
morbidity and disability compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. There are
two primary explanations as to why physical health, mental health, and disability outcomes may
differ for older SGM adults compared to older heterosexual and cisgender adults: 1)
experiences of minority stress that negatively affect health over the life course, and 2)
differences in the kind and quality of social networks and support in older age. In this study we
develop and test a new conceptual model that integrates these two disparate areas of research
by applying a multilevel approach to understanding how minority stress processes work. We
contend that social networks mediate the relationship between minority stress and health. Social
network effects may be negative, exacerbating the effects of negative life experiences of
discrimination or violence by reinforcing feelings of negative marginality relative to dominant
societal values and structures. Alternatively, social networks may buffer the effects of negative
life experiences among SGM adults whose networks include more positive valuations of SGM
identities. To test this model, we will collect in-depth ego-centric network data over three waves
from 800 SGM adults aged 50 to 70 years and residing in the metropolitan statistical areas of
three midsize cities in the US South: Nashville, TN; Birmingham, AL; and Raleigh, NC.
Participants will be recruited using multiple face-to-face, community and targeted online
methods in order to ensure inclusion of more isolated individuals or individuals who are less
involved with community organizations. Surveys will be administered using a web-based
instrument developed specifically for assessing multidimensional aspects of personal networks,
physical and mental health, and experiences of minority stress.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10216167
- **Project number:** 5R01AG063771-03
- **Recipient organization:** VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Tara McKay
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $396,364
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-15 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10216167

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10216167, Effects of Social Networks and Policy Context on Health among Older Sexual and Gender Minorities in the US South (5R01AG063771-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10216167. Licensed CC0.

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