Childhood Gender Atypicality, Victimization, and PTSD Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth

• NCJ Number: 235266
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2006 Pages: 1462-1482
• Author(s): Anthony R. D’Augelli; Arnold H. Grossman; Michael T. Starks
• Date Published: November 2006
• Length: 21 pages
• Grant Number(s): RO1 MH58155
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined victimization based on sexual orientation, and current mental health, including trauma symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Abstract

This study examined childhood gender atypicality, lifetime victimization based on sexual orientation, and current mental health, including trauma symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among 528 lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Nearly 80 percent reported verbal victimization, 11 percent physical, and 9 percent sexual, with males reporting significantly more victimization. Victimization began, on average, at age 13. Verbal attacks occurred as early as age 6, physical attacks at 8, and sexual attacks at 9. Youth who were considered gender atypical in childhood reported more victimization and more current mental health symptoms. PTSD was found in 9 percent of youth and was associated with past physical victimization. (Published Abstract)