The minority strengths model: Development and initial path analytic validation in racially/ethnically diverse LGBTQ individuals

Objective: The minority stress model and much research based upon it tend to adopt and reinforce a deficit-based approach. This study created and initially validated the minority strengths model, which by contrast outlines how personal and collective strengths in minority populations create resilience and positive mental and physical health. Materials and Method: A sample of 317 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds completed a national online survey. Results: A minority strengths path model was generated with statistically significant paths and good fit indices, including all possible significant indirect effects. The model explained 16.8% of the variance in identity pride, 19.7% in self-esteem, 32.9% in resilience, 41.6% in mental health, and 13.0% in positive health behaviors. Conclusions: The minority strengths model holds promise to stimulate research on the personal and collective strengths of minority populations and the ways in which strengths generate resilience and positive mental and physical health.