Fig. 3

Final structural equation model testing pathway between rejection anticipation, depressive symptoms, and cigarette smoking among Chinese gay men and bisexual men. Model fit: χ2 = 981.28, df = 770, p < 0.001 (recommended p > 0.05); RMSEA: 0.028 (recommended < 0.05); CFI: 0.920 (recommended > 0.90); TLI: 0.916 (recommended > 0.90); WRMR = 1.397 (recommended < 1). Coefficients: Rejection anticipation was positively associated with greater depressive symptoms (standardized β = 0.30, p < .001) and negatively associated with being a current cigarette smoker (standardized β = − 0.15, p < .001). Being a student was positively associated with higher rejection anticipation (standardized β = 0.17, p < .05) and was negatively associated with cigarette smoking (standardized β = − 0.33, p < .05). Being a student was not associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms not associated with cigarette smoking