Study reveals straight men are more stressed and depressed than out gay men



Straight men are generally more depressed and anxious than out gay men, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, also discovered a less surprising correlation - that out gays, lesbians and bisexuals are less depressed and anxious than closeted people.

In the study headed by Sonia Lupien, the director of Canada’s Centre for Studies on Human Stress, 46 lesbians, gays and bisexuals as well as 41 heterosexuals were surveyed over the course of 48 hours.



Straight men are generally more depressed and anxious than out gay men, according to a new study

The subjects were asked to repeatedly give samples of their saliva, urine and blood, which researches tested for cholesterol, adrenaline, insulin and cortisol, the stress hormone.

Researchers found lower levels of cortisol and more symptoms of depression among straight men compared to out gay men, and among out gays, lesbians and bisexuals compared to closeted people.



The researchers suggested that the lower stress levels in out gays, lesbians and bisexuals could be a result of the therapeutic process that is involved in disclosing one's sexual orientation.

'Our within-group analyses suggest that full disclosure, at least among our Montréal-based sample, is a form of coping strategy that fosters mental health and physiological integrity,' the researchers wrote.



Closeted people - and straight men, for that matter - are less likely to experience an emotional catharsis similar to coming out.

The catharsis, researchers argued, may help progress emotional maturity and lead to greater happiness and self comfort.

Upon hearing the results of the study, comedian Stephen Colbert joked that out gay men are less stressed because they don't have to deal with women

Upon hearing the results of the study, comedian Stephen Colbert joked that out gay men are less stressed because they don't have to deal with women.

'The research took place in Canada so we still have to wait for a study involving human subjects,' he joked. 'But I totally buy it folks because as an incredibly straight man I am incredibly stressed out - I mean, I am a ticking time bomb.'

He continued, 'Every time I accidentally wander into a gay bar and see all those happy people I shout, "I'm ready to blow!"'