NCJ Number
231900
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 39 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2010 Pages: 1134-1147
Date Published
October 2010
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study investigated lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth's perceptions of support for dealing with sexuality stressors compared to support for other types of problems.
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual ("LGB") youth may face significant stressors related to their sexual orientation. Few studies, however, have examined youth's experiences of support for coping with these stressors. The current study compared LGB youth's perceptions of support for sexuality stress to their support for other types of problems. The links between sexuality stress, sexuality support, and emotional distress were also examined. Ninety-eight LGB youth (ages 18-21, 33 percent female) rated support from family, heterosexual friends, and sexual minority friends for dealing with problems related, and not related, to their sexuality. From family and heterosexual friends, support for sexuality stress was less available than support for other stressors. Sexual minority friends provided the highest levels of sexuality support. In regression analyses, higher levels of sexuality support related to decreased emotional distress and buffered against the negative effects of sexuality stress on emotional distress. Sexuality support, although less available than other types of support, may be especially relevant to mental health among LGB youth. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)