THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT, CONNECTION TO THE LGBTQA+ COMMUNITY, AND LIFETIME EXPERIENCE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN GAY AND BISEXUAL MEN: A PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH

<p dir="ltr">This study examines the relationship between minority stress, social support, connection to the LGBTQ+ community, and intimate partner violence (IPV) among emerging adult gay and bisexual men. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), on a sample of 202 gay men and 200 bisexual men, distinct subgroups were identified based on levels of minority stress, social support, and LGBTQ+ community connection. Results revealed three profiles among gay men: high minority stress/low support, moderate stress/moderate support, and low stress/high support. Bisexual men exhibited two profiles: high stress/low support and low stress/high support. Higher social support and community connection, within a context of elevated minority stressors were associated with lower lifetime IPV exposure, while low support, and low connection, within a context of high minority correlated with increased IPV risk, for both gay and bisexual men. These findings underscore the heterogeneity between and within sexual minority men and the importance of tailored interventions that address the unique configurations of risk and resilience within LGBTQ+ subgroups. By adopting a person-centered approach, this study advances a nuanced understanding of IPV vulnerability, emphasizing the protective role of social support and community connection in mitigating minority stress. </p>