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Older LGBTQIA+ adults: Analyzing shame and double stigmatization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2025

S. von Humboldt
S. von Humboldt*
Affiliation:
William James Center for Research, ISPA – Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

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Introduction

Discriminatory and abusive behaviors may strongly affect older LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) adults, and poorer health is linked to discriminating practices. Shame is associated with ageism and sexual orientation-based discrimination and may be a significant impediment to aging well by undermining older adults’ sense of agency, health, and well-being. However, little is still known about older LGBTQIA+ adults who encounter double stigmatization.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the dimensions of shame and double stigmatization of older LGBTQIA+ adults.

Methods

The significant psychological challenges and relevant themes experienced by older LGBTQIA+ adults, as related to shame and double stigmatization, were illustrated by semi-structured interviews with 329 older adults in a qualitative study through content analysis.

Results

The results highlight four themes of shame and double stigmatization among older LGBTQIA+ adults, encompassing (1) ageism (86.5%), (2) sexual orientation-based discrimination (81.1%), (3) stereotyping (76.8%), and (4) social exclusion (72.3%).

Conclusions

The study reveals the profound negative effects of shame and double stigmatization on older LGBTQIA+ adults, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and interventions to address multiple forms of discrimination and promote equitable treatment in aging populations.

Keywords: Shame; Ageism; double stigmatization; LGBTQIA+; multiple discrimination; older adults.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Information

Type
Abstract
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 68 , Special Issue S1: Abstracts of the 33rd European Congress of Psychiatry , April 2025 , pp. S870
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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