A Comparative Analysis of Anxiety Levels and Mental Health Service Utilization Among Students Belonging to and Outside the LGBTIQ+ Community

Main Article Content

Gonzalo de la Isla Arias

Abstract

Anxiety is a natural reaction to dangerous situations, but when it is excessive or persistent, it becomes a disorder, considered one of the most common in psychiatry, characterized by disproportionate fear and worry. Anxiety is associated with the LGBTIQ+ population, as they face persecution, violence, and discrimination. The objective was to analyze anxiety levels and the use of mental health services in students with/without belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community. A total of 414 students aged 18-41 from a teacher training college in Zapopan, Jalisco, were included. Students belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community reported higher levels of anxiety and a greater unmet demand for mental health care, both psychological and psychiatric. A significant proportion of students who have not accessed psychological or psychiatric care, even though they recognize they need it, were identified, and this group has the highest levels of anxiety, suggesting significant barriers to accessing these services. The findings show significant differences in anxiety levels based on sexual and gender identity, as well as access, or lack thereof, to mental health services.

Article Details

How to Cite
de la Isla Arias, G. (2025). A Comparative Analysis of Anxiety Levels and Mental Health Service Utilization Among Students Belonging to and Outside the LGBTIQ+ Community. Journal of Behavior, Health & Social Issues, 17(2), 4–14. Retrieved from https://revistas.unam.mx/index.php/jbhsi/article/view/92965

Citas en Dimensions Service