Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the diverse and dynamic experiences of older individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other non-heterosexual people (LGB+). Notably, a specific line of research focused on older LGB+ adults’ experiences in sports and physical activity contexts, highlighting that they are usually faced with experiences discrimination and victimization. Indeed, experiences of minority stressor are generally related to older LGB+ withdrawing from sports and PA contexts, consequently impacting their physical and mental health. Methods: The present study was conducted as part of the national research project “Ageing Well in an Ageing Society” Funded by Next Generation EU [DM 1557 11.10.2022]. PNRR, Investment PE8 – Project Age-It. We investigated experiences of discrimination and minority stressors in a group of 21 older Italian sexual minority women (Mage = 71.5; SD = 7.6) and sexual minority men (Mage = 66.6, SD = 5.5) through their life course in the specific sports and PA contexts. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview, and data were analyzed through a thematic analysis. Results: In line with the Minority Stress Theory, four themes were identified from the study: 1) External stressors, which included specific sub-themes as encounters with discrimination, isolation, and negative experiences in locker rooms; 2) internal stressors, which consisted of different sub-themes as concern about concealing one’s sexual orientation, internalized heterosexist stigma and, avoidance; 3) social support, which included different sub-themes as personal and social resources (e.g., psychologists, friends, family); 4) and coping, which consisted of different sub-themes as positive LGB+ identities, sports preference, and personal weaknesses. Discussion: The present study aligned with recent literature that underlines the need to make sports and physical activity contexts more affirmative for older LGB+ people, reducing experiences of discrimination and consequently promoting their participation and aging well.
Sport and physical activity through the life course: Experience of discrimination in older Italian Sexual minority adults / Antoniucci, C.; Lucidi, F.; Micoli, A.; &, ; Baiocco, R.. - (2024). (Intervento presentato al convegno XXXVI Congresso Nazionale AIP, Sezione di psicologia dello sviluppo e dell’educazione tenutosi a Cagliari).
Sport and physical activity through the life course: Experience of discrimination in older Italian Sexual minority adults
Antoniucci C.;Lucidi F.;Micoli A.;Baiocco, R.
2024
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the diverse and dynamic experiences of older individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other non-heterosexual people (LGB+). Notably, a specific line of research focused on older LGB+ adults’ experiences in sports and physical activity contexts, highlighting that they are usually faced with experiences discrimination and victimization. Indeed, experiences of minority stressor are generally related to older LGB+ withdrawing from sports and PA contexts, consequently impacting their physical and mental health. Methods: The present study was conducted as part of the national research project “Ageing Well in an Ageing Society” Funded by Next Generation EU [DM 1557 11.10.2022]. PNRR, Investment PE8 – Project Age-It. We investigated experiences of discrimination and minority stressors in a group of 21 older Italian sexual minority women (Mage = 71.5; SD = 7.6) and sexual minority men (Mage = 66.6, SD = 5.5) through their life course in the specific sports and PA contexts. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview, and data were analyzed through a thematic analysis. Results: In line with the Minority Stress Theory, four themes were identified from the study: 1) External stressors, which included specific sub-themes as encounters with discrimination, isolation, and negative experiences in locker rooms; 2) internal stressors, which consisted of different sub-themes as concern about concealing one’s sexual orientation, internalized heterosexist stigma and, avoidance; 3) social support, which included different sub-themes as personal and social resources (e.g., psychologists, friends, family); 4) and coping, which consisted of different sub-themes as positive LGB+ identities, sports preference, and personal weaknesses. Discussion: The present study aligned with recent literature that underlines the need to make sports and physical activity contexts more affirmative for older LGB+ people, reducing experiences of discrimination and consequently promoting their participation and aging well.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
