49 Graduate Student Journal of Psychology 2023, Vol. 20 Copyright 2023 by the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology Teachers College, Columbia University Bouncing Back: Resilience, Aggression, and Depression in Older Gay Men and Lesbians Tosha Griggs & Mark Vosvick University of North Texas, Counseling Psychology Department Older gay men and lesbians are at greater risk for depression due to a lifetime of sexual minority stress (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2013). For gay men and lesbians, depression is associated with aggression and relationship problems (Bernards & Graham, 2013). However, aggression may foster resilience if aggression is expressed in a healthy, nonviolent manner that motivates a person to take positive action towards a greater purpose (Russell & Richards, 2003). What are the relation- ships between aggression and resilience with depression in a sample of older gay men and lesbians; and do group differ- ences exist? Data was collected from (N=50; Older gay men) and (N=50; Older lesbian women). SPSS 20 was used to run a multivariate analysis to test our overall model. Through a minority stress lens (Meyer, 1998), this study hypothesizes resilience moderates the relationship between aggression and depression. Significant differences between older gay men and older lesbians’ aggression, resilience, and depression scores exist. For the older gay men and lesbian combined group, a moderation analysis indicated that in addition to aggression and resilience being single significantly predicted depres- sion accounting for approximately 57% of the variance in depression. Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated the relationship between aggression and depression in the model in the sample (N = 100) of older gay men and lesbians. Keywords: Older Adult, Minority Stress, Resilience Our study will examine how aggression, being single, and resilience are associated with depression in older gay men and lesbians, using resilience as a moderator. This study uses three groups to investigate group differences between older gay men and lesbians. Background In general, older adulthood is associated with sta- bility, better problem-solving skills, psychological ma- turity, and wisdom (Mirowsky & Ross, 2001). How- ever, older adulthood is also associated with financial strain, health-related issues, caregiving burdens, isolation, residential relocations, and bereavements of loved ones that negatively affect mental health in older adults (Moos, Schutte, Brennan & Moos, 2005; Pearlin & Skaff, 1996; Wight, Harig, Aneshen- sel & Detels, 2016). Older adults overwhelmed with age-related stressors may be at greater risk for mental distress and depression (Moos, Schutte, Brennan & Moos, 2005; Wight, LeBlanc, Meyer & Harig, 2015). Depression and Sexual Minorities While previous results report the prevalence of depression decreases with older age in the sexual ma- jority population, older gay men and lesbians contin- ue to face risks that may increase their vulnerability to mental health issues (Grossman et al., 2001). Fredrik- sen-Goldsen (2011) assessed the health risk factors of approximately 2,560 older gay men and older lesbians, between the ages of 50 to 95, and found an elevated risk of mental distress with approximately 31% of old- er gay men and lesbians reporting depression, 53% reported loneliness and 27% experienced the death of a partner (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2011). Similar to older sexual majority adults, older gay men and les- bians experience challenges associated with declines in health, loss of friends, and family and adjustments to retirement (Van Wagenen et al., 2013); however older gay men and lesbians also experience victimiza- tion related to their sexual minority status that older sexual majority adults do not (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2012; Grossman, D’Augelli & O’Connell, 2001). According to Meyer (1995), sexual minority stress is the chronic stress associated with sexual minority status and is different from normal day-to-today stress because it attacks an individual’s identity. When an in- dividual deals with multiple stressors at the same time the various stressors may strain coping resources (Mey- er, 2015; Rook, 1998). Older gay men and lesbians ma- tured in a time when hate, discrimination, victimiza- tion, and being labeled mentally ill were the norm, and overcoming adversity is a common theme in their de- velopment (Kuyper & Fokkema, 2010; Keuzenkamp & Bos, 2007). Overtime the abuse, discrimination, and sexual minority stress associated with sexual minority status may have long-lasting effects on the physical and mental health of older gay men and lesbians (Fredrik- sen-Goldsen et al., 2013; Hatzenbuehler, 2016). Additionally, evidence links minority stress to structural and health inequalities which can negatively impact mental and physical health outcomes in older gay men and lesbians (Zeeman et al., 2019). Struc- tural inequalities are evident in the legal, educational, business, government, and healthcare systems (Bent- ley, 2020). Structural inequalities are when a majority 50 group sets rules and laws that serve the majority, while minority groups have limited access to resources (Bent- ley, 2020). The interconnection of different identities and systems of oppression may impact older gay men and lesbians differently based on the beliefs of the ma- jority groups (Herek, 2002). For example, one study found that participants were more likely to regard gay men as mentally ill and supported adoption rights for lesbians more than for gay men (Herek, 2002). Even though previous researchers argue that men and women may have more similarities than differ- ences, the intersectionality of gender, age, and sexual minority status may alter this theory (Hyde, 2014). Because structural social inequalities exist, gender and sexual minority status differences may be important determinants of health to consider (Denton & Walters, 1999). Therefore, models that investigate the intersec- tionality of gender and sexual minority status, rather than just controlling for sex, may be more effective in predicting health outcomes for older gay men and lesbians (Denton & Walters, 1999). Just controlling for sex may conceal the effects that sexual minority stress may have on health and hinder a more com- plete understanding of the effects different life experi- ences may have on health (Denton & Walters, 1999). Furthermore, past studies focused more on col- lecting and interpreting data, rather than developing a model that will better explain the data (Coburn & Eakin, 1993). Combining older gay men and les- bians into one minority group will give us data to interpret; but without consideration of the inter- sectionality, our generalizations may not adequate- ly apply to the population (Hyde, 2014). When the best model is considered for the data, better therapeu- tic interventions develop that are beneficial and are more likely to be effective for multiple determinants of health (Denton & Walters, 1999; Hyde, 2014). Previous studies collapse older gay men and les- bians into a single sexual minority group, and gen- der differences within sexual minorities may exist and should be investigated (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2010; Vosvick et al., 2010). For example, older gay men lived through and may have experienced personal trauma associated with the AIDS epidem- ic (Rosenfeld et al., 2012). The AIDS epidemic is a defining moment because many older gay men expe- rienced trauma associated with the death of friends and partners, while others had to learn how to cope with living with HIV/AIDS (Rosenfeld et al., 2012). On the other hand, findings suggest depres- sion is equally a concern for lesbians (Bradford et al., 1994; Tait, 1997). In general, 25% of women experi- ence depression in their lifetime (Salk et al., 2017) because of several economic, social, biological, and emotional factors (Reiss, 2013), with lesbians carry- ing an extra burden because of sexual minority sta- tus (Bostwick et al., 2019). Concealment of sexual identity, lack of employment, living in a rural area, and being single are all factors associated with depres- sion for older lesbians (Oetjen & Rothblum, 2000). Relationship Status and Depression For older gay men and lesbians, as well as the sexual majority of older adults, having a supportive partner is associated with a greater sense of well-be- ing, positive physical health outcomes, and reported lower scores on loneliness and depressive symptoms (Grossman et al., 2001; Herek, 2006). For example, a longitudinal study reported older gay men and lesbians that reported being divorced/separated had poorer health and more depressive symptoms than those who were married (Luo et al., 2012). Aggression and Sexual Minorities Aggression is defined as overtly hurtful behavior to- wards a target in the form of verbal aggression (insults, sarcasm, and rudeness) or physical harm (Ramirez & Andreu, 2006). Previous results suggest verbal aggres- sion is more common (Björkqvist, 2018). Researchers hypothesized that aggression may stem from exposure to different stressors and negative life experiences (Finch & Graziano, 2001). Therefore, older gay men and les- bians who have experienced discrimination, victimiza- tion, and sexual minority stress may be at an increased risk for aggression (Silove, 2009). While aggression might be an understandable reaction to mistreat- ment, it may be potentially destructive (Offredi, 2016; Painuly et al., 2005) if the emotional expression is in- ternalized or externalized (Bridewell & Chang, 1997). Conversely, Russell & Richards (2003) reported aggression associated with anti-gay politics, may foster resilience if the aggression is expressed in a healthy manner that motivates a person to take pos- itive action towards a greater purpose. Negative emotions associated with discrimination may ex- ist concurrently with taking positive initiative be- cause aggression may motivate collective action that promotes feelings of empowerment (Foster, 2000). GRIGGS & VOSVICK 51 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION However, group differences in older gay mens’ and lesbians’ aggression may exist. For example, de- pressed women report more verbal aggression than depressed men (Zuckerman, 1989). Averill (1983) and Frank, Carpenter, and Kupfer (1988) reported wom- en to become verbally aggressive as often, as intensely, and for similar reasons as men. A different study re- ported women may have greater difficulty expressing their anger; and may suppress their emotions (Kop- per & Epperson, 1996). While some studies found no gender differences in aggression (Im et al., 2018). Furthermore, aggression is positively associated with relationship problems and separation (Bernards & Graham, 2013) especially if the aggression is uncon- trollable (Baron et al., 2007; Offredi, 2016). Goldman & Hagga (1995) reported depressed individuals express more aggression towards their partner when compared to non-depressed individuals (Painuly et al., 2005). Resilience and Sexual Minorities Even though current research reports being a sex- ual minority is associated with negative mental health outcomes, most older gay men and lesbians successful- ly cope with sexual minority stress (Fredriksen-Gold- sen et al., 2017; Kaufman & Compton, 2021). Re- silience in current literature has several different definitions, however, this study will define resilience as the ability to ‘bounce back’ from adversity (Colpitts & Gahagan, 2016; Herrick et al., 2014). Resilience is not a born trait, nor a skill that enables individuals to be resilient to all situations (Bonanno & Burton, 2013). Instead, resilience is a dynamic process that involves internal processes, external and environmental factors, and the specific strategies executed by an individual (Richardson & Waite, 2002). Although, these strate- gies may change over a lifespan based on the challenge and resources available (Bonanno & Burton, 2013; Fletcher & Sarkar, 2013). Additionally, resilience is as- sociated with positive health outcomes, well-being, life satisfaction, adaptive coping skills, and a decreased risk of depression (Hash & Rogers, 2013; Wagnild, 2003). Previous research collapsed older gay men and lesbians into a single sexual minority group; how- ever, differences in resilience by gender should not be overlooked. For example, many older gay men learned self-reliance, survival skills, stress manage- ment, and how to care for themselves earlier in life and may adjust to older adulthood more successful- ly than sexual majority men (Hash & Rogers, 2013; Wight et al., 2012). Unfortunately, there is limited literature on older lesbians and resilience, however, older lesbians generally have increased social sup- port and are less likely to live alone when compared to older gay men (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2013). Older gay men and lesbians may experience in- ternalized aggression due to a lifetime of sexual mi- nority stress and level of resilience may predict old- er gay men and lesbians’ ability to ‘bounce back’ from adversity (Snyder et al., 1991). Additionally, unique experiences of structural social inequalities may impact older gay men and lesbians different- ly (Denton & Walters, 1999). Therefore a model that investigates these two groups separately will better explain our data (Coburn & Eakin, 1993). Purpose of Present Study Through a minority stress lens, this study will examine what the relationships are between aggres- sion, being single, resilience, and depression in old- er gay men and lesbians, and the group differences (Meyer, 2003). This study hypothesizes aggression and being single are positively associated with depres- sion. Resilience will be negatively associated with de- pression. Aggression, resilience and being single will account for a significant proportion of variance in depression. Resilience will moderate the relationship between aggression and depression. A significant dif- ference between older gay men’s and older lesbians’ aggression, resilience, and depression scores will exist. Method Procedures After appropriate institutional review board ap- proval was obtained, signed informed consent forms were obtained from all participants. The computerized self-report surveys were provided by the CPHR research team. Participant identity was completely anonymous, and the participants received an incentive of $25. Participants Our NIH-certified research assistants admin- istered a self-report survey to 50 gay cis-men and 50 cis-gender lesbians, 50 years of age and older (N = 100), living in the Dallas/Ft Worth (DFW) Metro- plex and fluent in English. The CPHR team recruit- ed participants from a variety of places in DFW, including local bars, LGBT-friendly churches, the Gay Pride Parade, community-based social groups, online social media, and professional organizations. 52 This study will investigate three groups: an older gay men and lesbian combined group, an older gay men only group, and an older lesbian only group. Please see Tables 1, 2 &3 near here for demographics. Measures Participants completed a demographic question- naire that assessed age, sex, ethnicity, sexual minority status, relationship status, etc. as well as a battery of other psychosocial measures. The Center for Epidemi- ologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD), The Aggres- sion Questionnaire (AQ), and The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used for this study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depres- sion Scale (CESD; Radloff, 1977) is a 20-item measure that assesses the frequency of depressive symptoms. This measure consists of a four-point Likert-type scale ranging from ‘0-Rarely or none of the time’ to ‘3-Most or almost all of the time’. The overall scale has strong internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha of .90 and adequate concurrent and construct validity. The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ; Buss & Per- ry, 1992) is a 29-item measure of aggression and in- cludes 4 subscales that measure aspects such as phys- ical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. The AQ consists of a five-point Likert-type scale that ranges from ‘1-Extremely uncharacteristic of me’ to ‘5-Extremely characteristic of me’. The AQ has good reliability with a reported Cronbach’s alpha of .80 and adequate convergent and concurrent validity. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD- RISC; Connor & Davidson, 2003) is a self-re- port measure of resilience. This measure con- sists of 25 items on a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from ‘0-Not at all true’ to ‘4-True nearly all of the time’ High scores reflect greater resilience. This instrument has a reported Cronbach’s alpha of .89 and demonstrates high convergent validity. Results G*power software was used to run a power anal- ysis. Data was collected by The Center for Psychoso- cial Health Research and SPSS 20 to analyze the data. Prior to the data analyses, a missing data analysis was conducted using Little’s MCAR test and no missing data was found. A frequency table to screen for outli- ers and found that all values were within normal range, except for an education value of 55 years. The median was used instead of the mean for education because of an outlier value in Table 1. Normality plots were used to check that assumptions for a normal distri- bution were met. Because our data did not meet the assumption of normality, Log was used to transform the data for aggression and depression for the older gay men and lesbians combined group, the older gay men-only group, and the older lesbian-only group. Univariates Analysis Complete data was collected from all our 100 participants and then conducted univariate statisti- cal analyses on all three groups to calculate means, standard deviations, ranges, and alphas for each measure and groups are shown in Tables 4, 5 & 6. Bivariate Analysis Bivariate data analyses were conducted, to assess the strength of the relationships between our demo- graphic variables and our variables of interest for the older gay men and lesbian combined group, older gay men-only group, and older lesbian-only group. The correlations are presented in Tables 7, 8 & 9 T-Test Analysis An independent-sample t-test was conducted to compare the total scores of each variable based on the group to determine any significant differences between older gay men and older lesbians. Our t-test results in- dicated a significant difference (t [98]= -3.25, p = .002) between resilience scores for gay men (M = 69.56, SD = 21.00) and lesbians (M = 80.80, SD = 12.60) and for depression scores (t [98]= 2.90, p = .005) for gay men (M = 11.32, SD = 8.23) and lesbians (M = 7.26, SD = 5.51). However, aggression scores (t [98] = 1.91, p = .060), for gay men (M = 25.16, SD = 15.69) and lesbians (M = 19.62, SD = 13.28) were not signifi- cantly different. In our sample, older gay men signifi- cantly reported lower resilience scores (Cohen’s d = 0.65) and higher depression scores (Cohen’s d = 0.60) than older lesbians, indicating medium effect sizes. Multivariate Analysis: Moderation Analysis For the multivariate analyses, three modera- tion analyses were conducted, to test our overall model, using the older gay men group, and lesbi- an combined group, the older gay men-only group and the older lesbian-only group to examine which of our variables of interest serve as predictors of de- pression, as well as, if resilience moderates the rela- tionship between aggression and depression. The results are shown in Tables 10, 11 & 12. {near here}. The first moderation analysis (Table 10- Moder GRIGGS & VOSVICK 53 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION ation Analyses of older gay men lesbians combined); (F [4, 95] = 34.10, [Δ] R² = .15, p < .001) indicated that in addition to aggression (β = .30, p <.001) and resilience (β = -.69, p <.001), being single (β = .31, p <.001) significantly predicted depression account- ing for approximately 57% of the variance in depres- sion (Adj. R² = .57, p <.001). Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated the relationship between aggression and depression (β = -.55, p <.05) in our model, ΔR2 = .15, F change = 34.93, p<.001, in our sample (N = 100) of older gay men and lesbians. The second moderation analysis (Table 11- Mod- eration Analyses of the older gay men-only group); (F [4, 45] = 16.92, [Δ] R² = .10, p < .001) indicated that aggression (β = .33, p <.001) and resilience (β = -.53, p <.001) significantly predicted depression accounting for approximately 57% of the variance in depression. Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated the re- lationship between aggression and depression (β = -.33, p <.05) in our model, ΔR2 = .10, F change = 11.02, p<.001, in our sample (N = 50) of older gay men. How- ever, being single was a significant predictor of depres- sion in blocks 1 & 2 (β = .38, p <.05) (β = .22, p <.05), but in block 3 it fell out of significance when the inter- action effect was added to the model (β = .19, p <.058). The third moderation analysis (Table 12- Mod- eration Analyses of the older lesbian-only group), (F [4, 45] = 15.51, [Δ] R² = .03, p < .001) indicated that being single (β = .42, p <.001) and resilience (β = -.40, p <.001) significantly predicted depression accounting for approximately 54% of the variance in depression (Adj. R² = .54, p <.001). However, ag- gression was not a significant predictor of depression (β = .13, p =.228) therefore resilience did not moder- ate the relationship between aggression and depres- sion (β = -.18, p = .100) in our model, ΔR2 = .03, F change = 2.82, p<.001, in our sample (N = 50) of older lesbians. The variance inflation factors (VIF) and tolerance (TOL) were examined with each anal- ysis to check for multicollinearity and found none. Discussion This study investigated the relationships between aggression, being single, resilience, and depression in three groups: older gay men and lesbians combined, older gay men-only group, and older lesbian-only group. These three groups were chosen because older gay men and lesbians’ life experiences may differ and by combining them into a single group, important differences may be missed; and three models better ex- plained the data (Coburn & Eakin, 1993). For all three groups, this study hypothesized that aggression and be- ing single are positively associated with depression, and resilience is negatively associated with depression. This study also hypothesized that aggression, being single and resilience account for a significant proportion of variance in depression; and that resilience moderates the relationship between aggression and depression. Older Gay Men and Lesbians Combined Group For the older gay men and lesbian combined group, our results support all our hypotheses. In our sample of older gay men and lesbians, being single was a sig- nificant predictor of depression which supports pre- vious literature that single older gay men and lesbians reported a sense of emptiness in their lives because of a lack of companionship (Kuyper & Fokkema, 2010). When compared to partnered older sexual minorities, single older sexual minorities reported an increase in depressive symptoms (Fredriksen-Goldsen & Mura- co, 2010). Having a spouse or partner may be a valu- able source of companionship and emotional support (Cutrona, 1996). Additionally, when compared to single older gay men and lesbians, partnered older gay men and lesbians reported more positive attitudes to- wards aging and improved well-being (Heaphy, 2009). In our sample of older gay men and lesbians combined, aggression was a significant predictor of depression. This finding is consistent with previous literature that aggression in older gay men and lesbi- ans is positively associated with negative mental out- comes such as depression (Mason et al. 2014; Parham, 2004). While aggression may be a common reaction to human rights violations (Silove et al., 2009) when expressed outwardly in a nonproductive manner ag- gression is considered a maladaptive coping strategy (Miller et al., 1996) associated with increased depres- sive symptoms in both gay men and lesbians (Kopper & Epperson, 1996). However, aggression expressed in a manner that motivates an individual to take positive action towards a greater good is associated with adaptive coping (Russell & Richards, 2003). Resilience was also a significant predictor of de- pression in our sample of older gay men and lesbians combined. This finding supports previous research that indicates, resilience is associated with positive health outcomes, well-being, life satisfaction, adap 54 tive coping skills, and a decreased risk of depression (Wagnild, 2003; Wagnild & Young, 1993). Even though older gay men and lesbians experienced a lifetime of adversity, the majority are not only able to “bounce back” from adversity but may develop more adaptive coping strategies which are associated with increased resilience (Hill & Gunderson, 2015). Furthermore, resilience significantly moderated the relationship between aggression and depression in our sample of older gay men and lesbians com- bined. This finding supports previous research that indicates, resilient older gay men and lesbians may possess characteristics that allow them to confront and overcome obstacles and challenges (Snyder et al., 1991). Even if they feel anger or aggression towards events of discrimination, negative emotions can exist concurrently, and be associated with increased resil- ience, if aggression motivates an individual to express their emotions in a constructive manner or take pos- itive action towards a greater good (Foster, 2000). Older Gay Men-Only Group Next for our second model, the older gay men-only group, our results support our hypotheses, except being single was not a significant predictor of depression when the interaction effect was entered into the model, which indicated a difference from the results of the older gay men and lesbian combined group. This finding is consistent with previous lit- erature that aggression in marginalized groups is as- sociated with depression and other negative mental health outcomes (Mason et al. 2014; Parham, 2004). Resilience was also a significant predictor of de- pression in our older gay men only group. This find- ing supports previous research that greater resilience is associated with greater well-being, life satisfaction, and decreased risk of depression (Fredriksen-Gold- sen & Muraco, 2010; King & Orel, 2012). Further- more, resilience significantly moderated the rela- tionship between aggression and depression in our older gay men-only group. Possibly because emo- tional openness and the ability to accept and pro- cess emotions in an insightful manner was reported as a factor associated with resilience (Kwon, 2013). However, being single for older gay men did not significantly predict depression in our sam- ple, once the interaction effect was added to the model, although being single did approach sig- nificance. This may be due to our sample size. Older Lesbians-Only Group Then for our model with the older lesbians-only group, our results support our hypotheses, except aggres- sion was not a significant predictor of depression thus resilience did not significantly moderate the relationship between aggression and depression. In our sample of older lesbians, being single was a significant predictor of depres- sion. This finding is consistent with previous literature that reports lesbians in a supportive relationship report high- er self-esteem and decreased depressive symptoms when compared to single lesbians (Wayment & Peplau, 1995). Resilience was also a significant predictor of depression in our sample of older lesbians which is consistent with previ- ous research (Averett et al., 2011). Many older lesbians have strong social networks, advocate for the lesbian community, and are less likely to live alone when compared to older sexu- al majority women and older gay men (Averett et al., 2011). However, aggression was not a signif icant predic- tor of depression possibly because of the restric- tion in the range of aggression. A subscale of ag- gression is physical aggression and individuals may fail to endorse these items due to social desirability. Because the experiences of older gay men and lesbians can be quite different an independent-samples t-test was conducted. Significant differences were found between resilience scores for older gay men and lesbians, with old- er gay men reporting lower resilience than older lesbians. This result may be due to the fact that gay men are more likely to live alone and less likely to have a partner when compared to older lesbians (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2011). Furthermore, depression scores for gay men and les- bians were also significantly different with older gay men reporting more depressive symptoms. This finding sug- gests older gay men might experience more adverse ef- fects of sexual minority stress than older lesbians (Herek, 2002). However, aggression scores for gay men and lesbians were not significantly different. Previous literature shows mixed results for gender differences in aggression in the sexual majority (Allen & Haccoun, 1976; Averill, 1982). No significant difference may suggest that some lesbians experience similar aggression as gay men (Parham, 2004). Group Differences At the t-test level, the results indicated significant differ- ences between resilience and depression with older gay men reporting lower resilience and higher depression. Older gay men report more internalized homophobia than older les- bians (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2011), possibly because society is more accepting of lesbians than gay men (Heaphy, 2009). GRIGGS & VOSVICK 55 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Lastly, resilience was the strongest predictor of depression for older gay men, while being single was the strongest predictor of depression for old- er lesbians. These results highlight the importance of investigating older gay men and lesbians in sep- arate models. Important differences would have been missed had this study combined the groups into one model, as does most current literature. Conclusion This study examined how aggression, being sin- gle, and resilience are associated with depression in older gay men and lesbians, using resilience as a moderator. This study used three groups to investi- gate group differences between older gay men and lesbians. Significant differences between older gay men and older lesbians’ aggression, resilience, and depression scores did exist. The older gay men and lesbian combined group, indicated that in addition to aggression and resilience, being single significantly predicted depression. Furthermore, resilience signifi- cantly moderated the relationship between aggres- sion and depression in older gay men and lesbians. Clinical Implications Because older gay men and lesbians experience a lifetime of sexual minority stress (Meyer, 2003), cli- nicians should focus on interventions aimed at trans- forming aggression into motivation for self-advocacy. Therapeutic interventions should promote adaptabil- ity, self-reliance, advocacy skills, proactive coping, self- care, spirituality, gender role flexibility, hope, and hardi- ness; all of which are reported to foster greater resilience (Craig et al., 2014; Colpitts & Gahagan, 2016). Also, a further understanding of what factors predict resil- ience in the older gay and lesbian community may help clinicians develop better therapeutic interventions. Limitations While this was a challenging sample to recruit, this study achieved the needed sample size but ac- knowledges this sample has limited generalizability. A more diverse sample size would provide an in-depth understanding of the intersectionality of oppression based on different minority identities. Because this was a computerized study taken on provided com- puters, there were limitations in the ability to reach a more socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sam- ple. As with any self-report survey, some respons- es may be influenced by self-report bias and social desirability. Also, because our sample is from Texas our results may not generalize to older gay men and lesbians living in more liberal states. Finally, due to correlational design causation cannot be inferred. Future Research Future researchers should investigate factors that predict resilience in older gay men and lesbians. 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GRIGGS & VOSVICK 63 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Table 3 Demographics of Older Lesbian Group Combined Note. *median. 64 Table 4 Univariates for Older Gay Men and Lesbians Group Combined GRIGGS & VOSVICK 65 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Table 5 Univariates for Older Gay Men Only Group 66 Table 6 Univariates for Older Lesbians Only Group GRIGGS & VOSVICK 67 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Table 7 Bivariate for Older Gay Men and Lesbians Combined Group 68 Table 8 Bivariate for Older Gay Men-Only Group GRIGGS & VOSVICK RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION 69 Table 9 Bivariate for Older Lesbians-Only Group 70 Table 10 Moderation Analysis Older Gay Men and Lesbians Depression is the Outcome Variable Note. Adj. R² = .57, F (4, 95) = 34.10, (Δ) R² = .15, p < .001 * p < .05, ** p < .01. GRIGGS & VOSVICK 71 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Table 11 Moderation Analysis Older Gay Men Only Depression is the Outcome Variable Note. Adj. R² = .56, F (4, 45) = 16.92, (Δ) R² = .10, p < .001 * p < .05, ** p < .01. 72 Table 12 Moderation Analysis Older Lesbian Group Depression is the Outcome Variable Note. Adj. R² = .54, F (4, 45) = 15.51, (Δ) R² = .03, p < .001 GRIGGS & VOSVICK 73 RESILIENCE MODERATES AGGRESSION AND DEPRESSION Figure 1 Simple Slope Analysis for Older Gay Men Aggression and Depression 74 Figure 2 Simple Slope Analysis for Older Lesbians Aggression and Depression GRIGGS & VOSVICK