Work

Police contact and self-rated health among LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ people

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To examine the relationship between police contact and self-rated health of U.S. LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ people. Data were derived from an original nationally representative survey of both LGBTQ (N=798) and non-LGBTQ (N=652) adults fielded as part of the Policing the Rainbow study in August 2022. Multivariate linear regression models were used to test the study’s hypotheses. Predicted self-rated general health scores were lower for all respondents who had police contact compared to those who did not. This was true of both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ respondents, with some forms of police contact decreasing self-rated health more among LGBTQ people and some decreasing self-rated health more among non-LGBTQ people. Public health scholarship on LGBTQ people should consider criminal legal system contact as a social determinant of health outcomes and incorporate such insights into minority stress models. • All respondents display lower self-rated health associated with police contact • LGBTQ people experience disproportionate levels of police contact • LGBTQ people experience greater reductions in health associated with police contact • Gender minorities show the greatest health effects associated with police contact

Source: Social Science & Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119088

Author: Stefan Vogler

Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,800