From stigma to strength? the interrelations between sexual identity stigma, well-being, and accepting communities on Instagram amongst sexual minority youth

Initial evidence suggests that engaging with accepting communities on social media such as Instagram may inform sexual minority youths' sense of stigma and well-being. However, as existing research has predominately drawn upon cross-sectional or qualitative designs, it is currently unclear whether the positive experiences identified in previous research accumulate, endure, or evolve over time. We also know relatively little about whether engagement with accepting online communities is primarily a compensatory or enhancing behavior. Thus, drawing upon minority stress theory and broaden-and-build theory, this study explores the longitudinal reciprocal relationships between perceived stigma, well-being, and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. Three-wave panel data were collected from 460 sexual minority youth in the United States and Poland (M age = 18.58, SD = 1.64), and data were analyzed using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. At the between-person level, engagement with accepting Instagram communities was positively associated with perceived stigma and negatively associated with well-being. No significant within-person associations emerged between perceived stigma and engagement with accepting Instagram networks. However, a positive reciprocal relationship was found between well-being and engagement with accepting Instagram communities. Cultural context had no moderating effect on the hypothesized model. Results suggest that whilst the interrelations between perceived stigma and engaging with accepting online networks may be short-lived, engaging with supportive Instagram communities may contribute to an upward spiral of positive emotions. Findings therefore extend the existing literature regarding the potential benefits of social media use amongst sexual minority youth. [Abstract copyright: © 2025 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.]