Network analysis of parenting, stigma, and psychopathology in sexual and gender minority parents.

Sexual and gender minority parents face unique stressors related to both parenting and minority status, yet the complex interplay between stigma experiences, parenting behaviors, and psychological well-being remains understudied. This cross-sectional study used network analysis to examine associations among parenting practices, stigma, and mental health symptoms in a national sample of 672 sexual and gender minority parents in the United States. Participants completed online surveys assessing experiences of discrimination, internalized homophobia and transphobia, parenting behaviors (e.g., hostility, supportiveness, positive reinforcement, control), and psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, child psychopathology). We used a statistical approach called Bayesian Gaussian graphical models to estimate how each variable is directly related to others while accounting for the rest of the network. We also identified which variables appeared most strongly connected to others (central variables) and which served as key links between different domains (bridge variables). Subgroup analyses explored differences in the network structure across sexual and gender identity groups. Results indicated that positive reinforcement, supportiveness, and internalized transphobia were the most strongly connected variables overall, meaning they may play important roles in shaping broader patterns of parenting and well-being.Variables such as child psychopathology, internalized stigma, and parental anxiety served as bridges connecting parenting, stigma, and mental health. Subgroup comparisons revealed distinct patterns of associations: Gender minority parents showed high centrality and bridge centrality for internalized transphobia, physical control, and child psychopathology, while cisgender parents demonstrated centrality in positive reinforcement, supportiveness, and internalized homophobia. Sexual identity differences also emerged, with lesbian and gay parents exhibiting stronger connections between parenting behaviors and stigma-related variables than bisexual and heterosexual parents. These patterns suggest that different aspects of stigma and parenting may matter more depending on parents’ identities. Findings may help identify targets for support programs and policies tailored to the specific needs of diverse sexual and gender minority families.