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Jones A, Robinson E, Oginni O, Rahman Q, Rimes KA. Anxiety disorders, gender nonconformity, bullying and self-esteem in sexual minority adolescents: prospective birth cohort study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 58:1201-1209. [PMID: 28569044 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minority adolescents (i.e. youth not exclusively heterosexual) report more anxiety than heterosexual youth on symptom questionnaires but no research has used standardised diagnostic tools to investigate anxiety disorder risk. This study uses a UK birth cohort to investigate the risk of anxiety disorders in sexual minority and heterosexual youth using a computerised structured clinical interview and explores the influence of gender nonconformity, bullying and self-esteem. METHODS Participants were 4,564 adolescents (2,567 girls and 1,996 boys) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between sexual orientation at 15.5 years and the presence of an anxiety disorder at 17.5 years. Covariates including maternal occupation, ethnicity, mother-reported childhood gender nonconformity at 30, 42 and 57 months, child-reported gender nonconformity at 8 years, child-reported bullying between 12 and 16 years and self-esteem at 17.5 years were added sequentially to regression models. RESULTS Sexual minority adolescents (i.e. those not exclusively heterosexual) had higher early childhood gender nonconformity (CGN), lower self-esteem and reported more bullying than adolescents identifying as 100% heterosexual. Minority sexual orientation at 15.5 years was associated with increased risk of an anxiety disorder at 17.5 years for girls (OR 2.55, CI 1.85-3.52) and boys (OR 2.48, CI 1.40-4.39). Adjusting for ethnicity, maternal occupation, mother-reported and child-reported CGN had minimal impact on this association. Adjusting for bullying between 12 and 16 years and self-esteem at 17.5 years reduced the strength of the associations, although the overall association remained significant for both sexes (girls OR 2.14 and boys OR 1.93). CONCLUSIONS Sexual minority youth are at increased risk of anxiety disorders relative to heterosexual youth at 17.5 years. Bullying between 12-16 years and lower self-esteem may contribute to this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbeygail Jones
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Robinson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Olakunle Oginni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Qazi Rahman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katharine A Rimes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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102
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Lowry R, Johns MM, Robin LE, Kann LK. Social Stress and Substance Use Disparities by Sexual Orientation Among High School Students. Am J Prev Med 2017; 53:547-558. [PMID: 28826950 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual minority youth often experience increased social stress due to prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and victimization. Increased stress may help explain the disproportionate use of substances like tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drug use by sexual minority youth. This study examined the effect of social stress on substance use disparities by sexual orientation among U.S. high school students. METHODS In 2016, data from the national 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted among a nationally representative sample of 15,624 U.S. high school students, were analyzed to examine the effect of school-related (threatened/injured at school, bullied at school, bullied electronically, felt unsafe at school) and non-school-related (forced sexual intercourse, early sexual debut) social stress on substance use disparities by sexual orientation, by comparing unadjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and adjusted (for social stressors, age, sex, and race/ethnicity) prevalence ratios (APRs). RESULTS Unadjusted PRs reflected significantly (p<0.05 or 95% CI did not include 1.0) greater substance use among students who identified as lesbian/gay or bisexual than students who identified as heterosexual. APRs for injection drug use decreased substantially among lesbian/gay (PR=12.02 vs APR=2.14) and bisexual (PR=2.62 vs APR=1.18) students; the APR for bisexual students became nonsignificant. In addition, APRs among both lesbian/gay and bisexual students decreased substantially and were no longer statistically significant for cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin use. CONCLUSIONS School-based substance use prevention programs might appropriately include strategies to reduce social stress, including policies and practices designed to provide a safe school environment and improved access to social and mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lowry
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Michelle M Johns
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leah E Robin
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura K Kann
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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103
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Eisenberg ME, Mehus CJ, Saewyc EM, Corliss HL, Gower AL, Sullivan R, Porta CM. Helping Young People Stay Afloat: A Qualitative Study of Community Resources and Supports for LGBTQ Adolescents in the United States and Canada. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2017; 65:969-989. [PMID: 28820667 PMCID: PMC6100798 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2017.1364944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
LGBTQ youth are at increased risk of poor health outcomes. This qualitative study gathered data from LGBTQ adolescents regarding their communities and describes the resources they draw on for support. We conducted 66 go-along interviews with diverse LGBTQ adolescents (mean age = 16.6) in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and British Columbia in 2014-2015, in which interviewers accompanied participants in their communities to better understand those contexts. Their responses were systematically organized and coded for common themes, reflecting levels of the social ecological model. Participants described resources at each level, emphasizing organizational, community, and social factors such as LGBTQ youth organizations and events, media presence, and visibility of LGBTQ adults. Numerous resources were identified, and representative themes were highly consistent across locations, genders, orientations, racial/ethnic groups, and city size. Findings suggest new avenues for research with LGBTQ youth and many opportunities for communities to create and expand resources and supports for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla E Eisenberg
- a Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
| | - Christopher J Mehus
- a Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
| | - Elizabeth M Saewyc
- b Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre , School of Nursing, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Heather L Corliss
- c Graduate School of Public Health and Institute for Behavioral and Community Health , San Diego State University , San Diego , California , USA
| | - Amy L Gower
- a Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
| | - Richard Sullivan
- d School of Social Work , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Carolyn M Porta
- e School of Nursing , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA
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104
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Asakura K. Paving Pathways Through the Pain: A Grounded Theory of Resilience Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer Youth. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2017; 27:521-536. [PMID: 28776830 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This grounded theory study utilized interviews with 16 service providers and 19 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) youth to develop a substantive theory of resilience processes among LGBTQ youth. The core category, paving pathways through the pain, suggests that LGBTQ youth build on emotional pain inflicted by external adversities to carve out pathways to resilience. Youth employed the following resilience processes: (1) navigating safety across contexts, (2) asserting personal agency, (3) seeking and cultivating meaningful relationships, (4) un-silencing marginalized identities, and (5) engaging in collective healing and action. Youth focused on particularly painful adversities and engaged intentionally in one or more of the resilience processes related to the origins of their pain.
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105
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McBeath ML, Drysdale MTB, Bohn N. Pathways to Mental Health and Wellbeing: Understanding and Supporting Students During Critical School-to-Work Transitions. WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING IN THE 21ST CENTURY 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/s1479-367920170000032012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Wilkerson JM, Lawler SM, Romijnders KA, Armstead AB, Bauldry J. Exploratory Analyses of Risk Behaviors Among GLBT Youth Attending a Drop-In Center. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2017; 45:217-228. [PMID: 28810807 DOI: 10.1177/1090198117715668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This exploratory study examines measures of one drop-in center's efforts to improve health outcomes of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth by facilitating out-group secondary social ties. Hatch Youth, located in Houston, Texas, aims to increase self-esteem and decrease negative health outcomes by encouraging GLBT youth to be part of Houston's greater GLBT community. Survey data ( N = 614) collected between October 2003 and April 2013 were entered into logistic regression models. Attending Hatch Youth for 6 or more months was associated with having a social group outside of school (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.33, 3.20]), being out to that social group (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI = [1.35, 4.03]), and interacting with the GLBT community outside of Hatch Youth (aOR = 2.33; 95% CI = [1.50, 3.54]), when referenced against youth attending less than 1 month. Having a good family relationship in the last 90 days (aOR = 2.48; 95% CI = [1.67, 3.70]) and having a social group outside of school (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI = [1.67, 3.97]) were associated with higher self-esteem. Higher self-esteem was associated with practicing safe sex (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI = [1.25, 2.75]) and not using street drugs (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI = [0.24, 0.83]). Interacting with the GLBT community outside of Hatch Youth was associated with practicing safe sex (aOR = 1.64; 95% CI = [1.12, 2.42]). Drop-in centers can strengthen secondary social ties among youth. Because questions remain about how drop-in centers can assist youth aging out of their programs to find other supportive secondary social ties, additional studies examining similar drop-in centers are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvia M Lawler
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Amber B Armstead
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Bauldry
- 1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
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- 3 the Montrose Center, Houston, TX, USA
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108
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Newman PA, Fantus S, Woodford MR, Rwigema MJ. “Pray That God Will Change You”: The Religious Social Ecology of Bias-Based Bullying Targeting Sexual and Gender Minority Youth—A Qualitative Study of Service Providers and Educators. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0743558417712013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The bullying of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) is pervasive, with documented negative impacts on health. We explored the social ecology of bullying of SGMY, with a focus on religion as a source or context of bullying. Semistructured interviews with service providers, educators, and administrators in Toronto, Canada, who work with SGMY explored perspectives on the bullying of SGMY, focusing on religiously based bullying and strategies for intervention. Interviews (45-60 minutes) were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The data revealed religiously based homophobic discourse that permeates religious (places of worship, faith-based schools) and secular microsystems (public schools, families) across SGMY’s social ecology. The language and ideology of “sin” and “conversion” were evidenced in direct religiously based bullying of SGMY in schools, and victimization in places of worship and family microsystems, as well as serving as a rationale for bullying and nonintervention by teachers, school staff, administrators, and family members. Multisectoral and multilevel influences of religiously based sexual prejudice on the bullying of SGMY suggest that existing individual-level and microsystem-level responses in schools should be augmented with institutional, policy, and legal interventions in SGMY’s more distal social ecology in order to effectively prevent religiously based homophobic bullying.
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109
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Hafeez H, Zeshan M, Tahir MA, Jahan N, Naveed S. Health Care Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: A Literature Review. Cureus 2017. [PMID: 28638747 PMCID: PMC5478215 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
About 3.5% Americans identify themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual while 0.3% identify themselves as transgender. The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community belongs to almost every race, ethnicity, religion, age, and socioeconomic group. The LGBT youth are at a higher risk for substance use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cancers, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bullying, isolation, rejection, anxiety, depression, and suicide as compared to the general population. LGBT youth receive poor quality of care due to stigma, lack of healthcare providers' awareness, and insensitivity to the unique needs of this community. The main objective of this literature review is to highlight the challenges faced by the LGBT youth and to enhance the awareness among physicians about the existing disparities in order to provide a more comprehensive, evidence-based, and humane medical care to this community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Zeshan
- Department of Psychiatry, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, NY
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110
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Milam AJ, Jones CD, Debnam KJ, Bradshaw CP. School environments and obesity: The mediating role of personal stress. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 45:715726. [PMID: 29731524 PMCID: PMC5930873 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.21888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth spend a large amount of time in the school environment. Given the multiple influences of teachers, peers, and food and physical activity options, youth are likely to experience stressors that can influence their weight. This study examines the association between school climate and weight status. METHOD Students (n = 28,582; 58 schools) completed an online, anonymous school climate survey as part of the Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Project. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to explore the association between school climate, personal stress, and obesity. Analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS At the individual level, poor school climate (bullying, physical safety, and lack of whole-school connectedness) was associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight among females (β =.115, p = .019) but not males (β = .138; p =.244), after controlling for age, race, and physical activity. There was no association between school climate at the school level and being overweight among males or females. A second model included stress as a potential mediator; stress attenuated the relationship between poor school-related climate and being overweight (β = .039; p = .048) among females. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that stress related to school climate can play a role in the health and weight status of youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katrina J Debnam
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- University of Virginia
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111
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112
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Romijnders KA, Wilkerson JM, Crutzen R, Kok G, Bauldry J, Lawler SM. Strengthening Social Ties to Increase Confidence and Self-Esteem Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Health Promot Pract 2017; 18:341-347. [PMID: 28420269 DOI: 10.1177/1524839917690335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth too often live in nonsupportive environments. This study reports the influence of social support from primary and secondary social ties on confidence and self-esteem among participants in Hatch Youth, a drop-in group-level intervention for SGM youth. Each 3-hour Hatch Youth meeting consists of a social, educational, and youth-led support hour. Over 14 weeks, these meetings were randomly observed and individual interviews with participating youth ( n = 12) and staff and volunteers ( n = 12) were conducted; data underwent a content analysis. Participants perceived an increase in confidence and self-esteem through enhanced bonding with family and friends, a sense of belonging, and community empowerment because of their involvement with Hatch Youth, suggesting drop-in centers can strengthen secondary social ties and improve confidence and self-esteem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Michael Wilkerson
- 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rik Crutzen
- 1 Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerjo Kok
- 1 Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Bauldry
- 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sylvia M Lawler
- 2 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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- 3 the Montrose Center, Houston, TX, USA
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113
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Kim GH, Ahn HS, Kim HJ. Type of sexual intercourse experience and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among youths: a cross-sectional study in South Korea. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1229. [PMID: 27923371 PMCID: PMC5142152 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3895-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite abundant theoretical evidence of higher rates of suicide among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths, little is known about the relationship between suicide and types of sexual intercourse experience in youths. This study examines the association between the type of intercourse experience and suicide risk outcomes (SROs: suicidal ideation, plans for suicide, suicidal attempts) from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from 146,621 students aged 12–17 years for the years 2012 and 2013. We defined lesbian, gay, or bisexual youth as youths who engaged in a type of sexual intercourse (same-sex or both-sex intercourse). A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between intercourse experience and SROs. Results The results showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was higher among youths with same-sex intercourse experience (45.9% for females, 33.7% for males) than among youths with opposite-sex intercourse experience (42.2% for females, 23.8% for males) and those with no experience in intercourse (21.0% for females, 12.7% for males). After adjusting for revealed risk factors that were associated with suicide risks, among males, suicide risks based on intercourse experience seemed to increase in the following order: no experience in sexual intercourse, opposite-sex, same-sex, and then both-sexes sexual intercourse experience. Same- and both-sexes intercourse related SROs are strongly linked to violence (being physically assaulted, threatened, or bullied) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection. Those having no sexual intercourse experience showed the least probability of suicide risks among youths. Conclusion The SROs of youths with same-sex or both-sex intercourse experience had strong associations with gender (males), violence, and STDs. Therefore, school educators must continue to advocate for and to implement LGB inclusive policies and programs in order to promote safe and supportive learning environments where all students are protected from health risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geum Hee Kim
- Department of School Health Education, Sanggye High School, 432, Nohaero, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01761, Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyeong Sik Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
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114
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Hatzenbuehler ML. Advancing Research on Structural Stigma and Sexual Orientation Disparities in Mental Health Among Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 46:463-475. [PMID: 27911583 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1247360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Psychological research on stigma has focused largely on the perceptions of stigmatized individuals and their interpersonal interactions with the nonstigmatized. This work has been critical in documenting many of the ways in which stigma operates to harm those who are targeted. However, this research has also tended to overlook broader structural forms of stigma, which refer to societal-level conditions, cultural norms, and institutional policies and practices that constrain the lives of the stigmatized. In this article I describe the emerging field of research on structural stigma and review evidence documenting the harmful consequences of structural stigma for the mental/behavioral health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. This research demonstrates that structural stigma represents an important, but thus far largely underrecognized, mechanism underlying mental health disparities related to sexual orientation among youth. I offer several suggestions to advance research in this area, including (a) adopting a life-course approach to the study of structural stigma; (b) developing novel measures of structural stigma; (c) expanding both the range of methods used for studying structural stigma and the sequelae of structural stigma that are evaluated; (d) identifying potential mediators and moderators of the structural stigma-health relationship; (e) examining intersectionalities; and (f) testing generalizability of structural stigma across other groups, with a particular focus on transgender youth. The implications of this research for preventive interventions and for public policy are also discussed.
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115
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Hatzenbuehler ML, Pachankis JE. Stigma and Minority Stress as Social Determinants of Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: Research Evidence and Clinical Implications. Pediatr Clin North Am 2016; 63:985-997. [PMID: 27865340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we review theory and evidence on stigma and minority stress as social/structural determinants of health among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. We discuss different forms of stigma at individual (eg, identity concealment), interpersonal (eg, victimization), and structural (eg, laws and social norms) levels, as well as the mechanisms linking stigma to adverse health outcomes among LGBT youth. Finally, we discuss clinical (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy) and public health (eg, antibullying policies) interventions that effectively target stigma-inducing mechanisms to improve the health of LGBT youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Hatzenbuehler
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Room 549B, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - John E Pachankis
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Suite 316, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Kittel JA, DeBeer BB, Kimbrel NA, Matthieu MM, Meyer EC, Gulliver SB, Morissette SB. Does body mass index moderate the association between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan veterans? Psychiatry Res 2016; 244:123-9. [PMID: 27479102 PMCID: PMC5556387 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Suicide, PTSD, and obesity co-occur at high rates among returning veterans, yet limited research exists regarding the relationship among these variables. Self-report and diagnostic interview data from a longitudinal study of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (N=130) enrolled in VA healthcare examined these inter-relations. As hypothesized, body mass index (BMI) significantly moderated the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation such that the association between PTSD and suicidal ideation was strongest among individuals with a high BMI. Programs that focus on health promotion, trauma treatment, and weight management should continue to monitor suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Kittel
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Bryann B DeBeer
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Monica M Matthieu
- Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice, School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO, USA; VA Mental Health QUERI, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Service, Central Arkansas VA Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Eric C Meyer
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, TX, USA; Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Suzy Bird Gulliver
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Warriors Research Institute, Baylor, Scott & White Health, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Sandra B Morissette
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Psychology, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Willging CE, Green AE, Ramos MM. Implementing school nursing strategies to reduce LGBTQ adolescent suicide: a randomized cluster trial study protocol. Implement Sci 2016; 11:145. [PMID: 27770819 PMCID: PMC5075193 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-016-0507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing youth suicide in the United States (U.S.) is a national public health priority, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at elevated risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorses six evidence-based (EB) strategies that center on meeting the needs of LGBTQ youth in schools; however, fewer than 6 % of U.S. schools implement all of them. The proposed intervention model, "RLAS" (Implementing School Nursing Strategies to Reduce LGBTQ Adolescent Suicide), builds on the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) conceptual framework and the Dynamic Adaptation Process (DAP) to implement EB strategies in U.S. high schools. The DAP accounts for the multilevel context of school settings and uses Implementation Resource Teams (IRTs) to facilitate appropriate expertise, advise on acceptable adaptations, and provide data feedback to make schools implementation ready and prepared to sustain changes. METHODS/DESIGN Mixed methods will be used to examine individual, school, and community factors influencing both implementation process and youth outcomes. A cluster randomized controlled trial will assess whether LGBTQ students and their peers in RLAS intervention schools (n = 20) report reductions in suicidality, depression, substance use, bullying, and truancy related to safety concerns compared to those in usual care schools (n = 20). Implementation progress and fidelity for each EB strategy in RLAS intervention schools will be examined using a modified version of the Stages of Implementation Completion checklist. During the implementation and sustainment phases, annual focus groups will be conducted with the 20 IRTs to document their experiences identifying and advancing adaptation supports to facilitate use of EB strategies and their perceptions of the DAP. DISCUSSION The DAP represents a data-informed, collaborative, multiple stakeholder approach to progress from exploration to sustainment and obtain fidelity during the implementation of EB strategies in school settings. This study is designed to address the real-world implications of enabling the use of EB strategies by school nurses with the goal of decreasing suicide and youth risk behaviors among LGBTQ youth. Through its participatory processes to refine and sustain EB strategies in high schools, the RLAS represents a novel contribution to implementation science. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02875535.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen E Willging
- Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 612 Encino Place NE, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Amy E Green
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0812, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, 3665 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Mary M Ramos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, MSC10 5590, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
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Abstract
Are the outcomes for children of gay, lesbian, or bisexual parents in general the same as those for heterosexual parents? That controversial question is discussed here in a detailed review of the social science literature in three parts: (1) stability of same-sex parental relationships, (2) child outcomes, and (3) child outcomes in same-sex adoption. Relationship instability appears to be higher among gay and lesbian parent couples and may be a key mediating factor influencing outcomes for children. With respect to part 2, while parental self-reports usually present few significant differences, social desirability or self-presentation bias may be a confounding factor. While some researchers have tended to conclude that there are no differences whatsoever in terms of child outcomes as a function of parental sexual orientation, such conclusions appear premature in the light of more recent data in which some different outcomes have been observed in a few studies. Studies conducted within the past 10 years that compared child outcomes for children of same-sex and heterosexual adoptive parents were reviewed. Numerous methodological limitations were identified that make it very difficult to make an accurate assessment of the effect of parental sexual orientation across adoptive families. Because of sampling limitations, we still know very little about family functioning among same-sex adoptive families with low or moderate incomes, those with several children, or those with older children, including adolescents or how family functioning may change over time. There remains a need for high-quality research on same-sex families, especially families with gay fathers and with lower income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter R. Schumm
- School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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Abstract
Many studies, reviews, and meta-analyses have reported elevated mental health problems for sexual minority (SM) individuals. This systematic review provides an update by including numerous recent studies, and explores whether SM individuals are at increased risk across selected mental health problems as per dimensions of sexual orientation (SO), genders, life-stages, geographic regions, and in higher quality studies. A systematic search in PubMed produced 199 studies appropriate for review. A clear majority of studies reported elevated risks for depression, anxiety, suicide attempts or suicides, and substance-related problems for SM men and women, as adolescents or adults from many geographic regions, and with varied SO dimensions (behaviour, attraction, identity), especially in more recent and higher quality studies. One notable exception is alcohol-related problems, where many studies reported zero or reversed effects, especially for SM men. All SM subgroups were at increased risk, but bisexual individuals were at highest risk in the majority of studies. Other subgroup and gender differences are more complex and are discussed. The review supports the long-standing mental health risk proposition for SM individuals, overall and as subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Plöderl
- a Department of Suicide Prevention , University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Institute of Clinical Psychology, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University , Salzburg , Austria
| | - Pierre Tremblay
- b Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta , Canada
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120
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Coulter RWS, Kessel Schneider S, Beadnell B, O'Donnell L. Associations of outside- and within-school adult support on suicidality: Moderating effects of sexual orientation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2016; 87:671-679. [PMID: 27598866 DOI: 10.1037/ort0000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study examined sexual-orientation differences in reports of outside- and within-school adult support, and whether sexual orientation moderates the associations between adult support and suicidality (i.e., thoughts, plans, and attempts). At 26 high schools across MetroWest Boston, 22,834 students completed surveys assessing: sexual orientation (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, or questioning); presence of outside- and within-school adult support; and past-year suicidality. Multivariable regression analyses with General Estimating Equations (adjusting for gender, grade, and race/ethnicity) examined sexual-orientation subgroup differences in adult support, and how sexual orientation and adult support were associated with suicidality. Interaction terms tested whether relationships between adult support and suicidality were moderated by sexual orientation. Gay/lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth were each less likely than heterosexuals to report having outside-school adult support (risk ratios range: 0.85-0.89). Each group also had greater odds than heterosexuals for suicidal thoughts (odds ratios [ORs] range: 1.86-5.33), plans (ORs range: 2.15-5.22), and attempts (ORs range: 1.98-7.90). Averaged across sexual-orientation subgroups, outside-school support was more protective against suicidality (ORs range: 0.34-0.35) than within-school support (ORs range: 0.78-0.82). However, sexual orientation moderated the protective effects of outside-school adult support, with support being less protective for bisexual and questioning youth than for heterosexuals. Adult support, and particularly outside-school adult support, is associated with lower suicidality. However, fewer gay/lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth can rely on outside-school support and, even if present, it may be less protective against suicidality. Interventions are needed to help adults support gay/lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth and reduce suicidality disparities. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blair Beadnell
- Health and Human Development Division, Education Development Center
| | - Lydia O'Donnell
- Health and Human Development Division, Education Development Center
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121
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Kuyper L, de Roos S, Iedema J, Stevens G. Growing Up With the Right to Marry: Sexual Attraction, Substance Use, and Well-Being of Dutch Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2016; 59:276-282. [PMID: 27423901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the well-being and substance use of sexual minority adolescents growing up in a tolerant society, we examined differences among same-sex attracted (SSA), those who do not know their attraction yet (not yet attracted [NYA]), and heterosexual Dutch adolescents. METHODS Unadjusted and adjusted logistic and linear multilevel analyses were performed using representative data of the 2013 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study (N = 5,995; 11-16 years old). The adjusted analyses controlled for sociodemographics (gender, age, education type, ethnicity, urbanicity, and religion). RESULTS Adjusted results showed that SSA adolescents substantially more often reported alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.01), tobacco smoking (AOR = 2.37), and cannabis smoking (AOR = 3.52) than their heterosexual peers, while NYA participants less often reported alcohol use (AOR = .57) and equal levels of tobacco (AOR = .71) and cannabis smoking (AOR = .87) compared with heterosexual adolescents. SSA adolescents reported lower levels of life satisfaction (b = -1.25) and higher levels of psychosomatic complaints (b = .61) and emotional problems (b = 1.57) than heterosexual adolescents. NYA adolescents reported equal levels of life satisfaction (b = -.18) and psychosomatic complaints (b = .06) as heterosexual adolescents, but higher levels of emotional problems (b = .51). CONCLUSIONS In Dutch society, with over 20 years of inclusive policies for sexual minorities and generally tolerant population attitudes toward sexual minorities, SSA adolescents are still at increased risk of substance use and have lower levels of well-being compared with peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette Kuyper
- Department of Education, Minorities and Methodology, The Netherlands Institute for Social Research, The Hague, The Netherlands; Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Simone de Roos
- Department of Care, Emancipation, and Time Use, The Netherlands Institute for Social Research, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen Iedema
- Department of Education, Minorities and Methodology, The Netherlands Institute for Social Research, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Gonneke Stevens
- Utrecht Centre for Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Marshall A. Suicide Prevention Interventions for Sexual & Gender Minority Youth: An Unmet Need. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 89:205-13. [PMID: 27354846 PMCID: PMC4918883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death in the U.S. among youth ages 10 to 24. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth face heightened risk for suicide and report greater odds of attempting suicide than their heteronormative peers. Contributing factors of experience, which are distinctly different from the experiences of heteronormative youth, place SGM youth at heightened risk for suicide. While interventions aimed at addressing suicide risk factors for all youth are being implemented and many have proven effective in the general population, no evidence-based intervention currently exists to reduce suicide risk within this special population. This perspective article discusses this need and proposes the development of an evidence-based suicide risk reduction intervention tailored to SGM youth. Creating a supportive school climate for SGM youth has been shown to reduce suicide risk and may provide protective effects for all youth while simultaneously meeting the unique needs of SGM youth.
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Wilkerson JM, Schick VR, Romijnders KA, Bauldry J, Butame SA. Social Support, Depression, Self-Esteem, and Coping Among LGBTQ Adolescents Participating in Hatch Youth. Health Promot Pract 2016; 18:358-365. [DOI: 10.1177/1524839916654461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Michael Wilkerson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vanessa R. Schick
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jessica Bauldry
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seyram A. Butame
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
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124
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Bouris A, Everett BG, Heath RD, Elsaesser CE, Neilands TB. Effects of Victimization and Violence on Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Adolescents. LGBT Health 2016; 3:153-61. [PMID: 26789401 PMCID: PMC4841901 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2015.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual minority youth (SMY) are at higher risk for victimization and suicide than are heterosexual youth (HY). Relatively little research has examined which types of victimization are most closely linked to suicide, which is necessary to develop targeted prevention interventions. The present study was conducted to address this deficit. METHODS The data come from the 2011 Chicago Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 1,907). Structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus evaluated the direct, indirect, and total effects of sexual orientation on a latent indicator of suicidal ideation and behaviors via seven types of victimization. Four indicators of victimization were school-specific (e.g., harassment due to sexual orientation or gender identity (SO/GID), bullying, threatened or injured with a weapon, and skipping school due to safety concerns), and three indicators assessed other types of victimization (e.g., electronic bullying, intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse). RESULTS Thirteen percent of youth were classified as SMY. Significantly more SMY than HY reported suicidal ideation (27.95% vs. 13.64%), a suicide plan (22.78% vs. 12.36%), and at least one suicide attempt (29.92% vs. 12.43%) in the past year (all P < .001). A greater percentage of SMY reported SO/GID-related harassment, skipping school, electronic bullying, and sexual abuse. Sexual orientation was not directly related to suicidal ideation and behaviors in SEM. Rather, SMY's elevated risk of suicidality functioned indirectly through two forms of school-based victimization: being threatened or injured with a weapon (B = .19, SE = .09, P ≤ .05) and experiencing SO/GID-specific harassment (B = .40, SE = .15, P ≤ .01). There also was a trend for SMY to skip school as a strategy to reduce suicide risk. CONCLUSION Although SMY experience higher rates of victimization than do HY, school-based victimization that involves weapons or is due to one's SO/GID appear to be the most deleterious. That SMY may skip school to reduce their risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors is problematic, and schools should be encouraged to enact and enforce policies that explicitly protect SMY from victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Bouris
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bethany G. Everett
- Department of Sociology, College of Social and Behavioral Science, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ryan D. Heath
- School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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125
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Coulter RWS, Birkett M, Corliss HL, Hatzenbuehler ML, Mustanski B, Stall RD. Associations between LGBTQ-affirmative school climate and adolescent drinking behaviors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 161:340-7. [PMID: 26946989 PMCID: PMC4792759 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether adolescents drank alcohol less frequently if they lived in jurisdictions with school climates that were more affirmative of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. METHODS Data from the 2010 School Health Profile survey, which measured LGBTQ school climate (e.g., percentage of schools with safe spaces and gay-straight alliances), were linked with pooled data from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which measured sexual orientation identity, demographics, and alcohol use (number of drinking days, drinking days at school, and heavy episodic drinking days) in 8 jurisdictions. Two-level Poisson models tested the associations between school climate and alcohol use for each sexual-orientation subgroup. RESULTS Living in jurisdictions with more (versus less) affirmative LGBTQ school climates was significantly associated with: fewer heavy episodic drinking days for gay/lesbian (incidence-rate ratio [IRR]=0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56, 0.87; p=0.001) and heterosexual (IRR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.83; p<0.001) adolescents; and fewer drinking days at school for adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation (IRR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.93; p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS Fostering LGBTQ-affirmative school climates may reduce certain drinking behaviors for gay/lesbian adolescents, heterosexual adolescents, and adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W S Coulter
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Heather L Corliss
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| | - Mark L Hatzenbuehler
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Ron D Stall
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
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126
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Li D, Bao Z, Li X, Wang Y. Perceived School Climate and Chinese Adolescents' Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts: The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2016; 86:75-83. [PMID: 26762818 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND School factors play important roles in adolescent suicide. However, little is known about how school climate is associated with adolescent suicide. This study examined the relationship between perceived school climate and adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and whether these relations were explained by adolescent sleep quality. METHODS A total of 1529 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 14.74 years; 52% boys) participated in the study. They provided self-report data on control variables, perceived school climate, sleep quality, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. RESULTS After controlling for sex, age, family structure, socioeconomic status, and parent-adolescent attachment, we found that perceived school climate negatively predicted adolescent suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, p < .001) and suicide attempts (OR = 0.72, p < .001). Moreover, perceived school climate positively predicated adolescent sleep quality (β = 0.13, p < .001), which in turn, negatively predicted adolescent suicidal ideation (OR = 0.75, p < .001) and suicide attempts (OR = 0.76, p < .001). CONCLUSION These findings, although cross-sectional, indicate that perceived school climate plays an important role in adolescent suicidality. Moreover, the relation between perceived school climate and adolescent suicidality was largely mediated by adolescent sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongping Li
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, China.
| | - Zhenzhou Bao
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, China.
| | - Xian Li
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY.
| | - Yanhui Wang
- School of Education Science, Jiaying University, China.
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127
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Abstract
Today's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth come out at younger ages, and public support for LGBT issues has dramatically increased, so why do LGBT youth continue to be at high risk for compromised mental health? We provide an overview of the contemporary context for LGBT youth, followed by a review of current science on LGBT youth mental health. Research in the past decade has identified risk and protective factors for mental health, which point to promising directions for prevention, intervention, and treatment. Legal and policy successes have set the stage for advances in programs and practices that may foster LGBT youth mental health. Implications for clinical care are discussed, and important areas for new research and practice are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica N Fish
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712; ,
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128
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The GSA Difference: LGBTQ and Ally Experiences in High Schools with and without Gay-Straight Alliances. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci4030563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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129
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Fish JN, Pasley K. Sexual (Minority) Trajectories, Mental Health, and Alcohol Use: A Longitudinal Study of Youth as They Transition to Adulthood. J Youth Adolesc 2015; 44:1508-27. [PMID: 25956289 PMCID: PMC8574130 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-015-0280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer/questioning youth health disparities are well documented; however, study limitations restrict our understanding of how the temporal interplay among domains of sexuality (attraction, behavior, and identity) situate individuals to be more or less at risk for poor mental health and alcohol use across the transition to adulthood. Four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 12,679; 51.29 % female) were used with repeated measures latent class analysis to estimate sexual trajectory groups designated by prospective reports of romantic attraction, sexual/romantic behavior, and sexual identity from adolescence to adulthood. Five unique trajectories emerged: two heterosexual groups (heterosexual early daters [58.37 %] and heterosexual later daters [29.83 %]) and three sexual minority groups (heteroflexible [6.44 %], later bisexually identified [3.32 %], and LG[B] identified [2.03 %]). These sexual trajectories differentiate risk for depressive symptomology, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and alcohol use during adolescence and early adulthood. Groups where individuals first reported same-sex attraction and sexual minority identities in adulthood (heteroflexible and later bisexually identified) had similar levels of depression, suicidality, and greater substance use than those who largely reported same-sex attraction and behavior during adolescence (the LG[B] identified group). These later recognition groups showed greater risk for poor outcomes in waves where they also first reported these changes in attraction, behaviors, and identities. The emergence of three sexual minority groups reveal within-group differences in sexuality and sexual trajectories and how these experiences relate to risk and timing of risk across the transition to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Fish
- Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth, and Families, Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Arizona, 650 N. Park Ave, Rm. 235F, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0078, USA,
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130
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Stone DM, Luo F, Lippy C, McIntosh WL. The Role of Social Connectedness and Sexual Orientation in the Prevention of Youth Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Sexually Active Adolescents. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2015; 45:415-30. [PMID: 25388375 PMCID: PMC6886247 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The impact of types of social connectedness-family, other adult, and school-on suicide ideation and attempts among all youth, the relative impact of each type, and effect modification by sexual orientation was assessed. Data were from the 2007-2009 Milwaukee Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Multivariable logistic regression analyses calculated the risk of suicide ideation and attempts by sexual orientation, types of social connectedness, and their interaction. Among all youth, each type of connectedness modeled singly conferred protective effects for suicide ideation. Family and other adult connectedness protected against suicide attempts. When modeled simultaneously, family connectedness protected against ideation and attempts. Sexual orientation modified the association between other adult connectedness and suicide ideation. Findings suggest that family connectedness confers the most consistent protection among all youth and sexual orientation does not generally modify the association between connectedness and suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M. Stone
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Feijun Luo
- Division of Analysis, Research, and Practice Integration, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Caroline Lippy
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wendy LiKamWa McIntosh
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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131
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Davis B, Royne Stafford MB, Pullig C. How gay-straight alliance groups mitigate the relationship between gay-bias victimization and adolescent suicide attempts. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 53:1271-1278.e1. [PMID: 25457925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the relationships between victimization from being bullied, suicide, hopelessness, and the presence of a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) on a school campus. METHOD We analyzed data from the California Healthy Kids Survey from 2005 to 2007 using hierarchical modeling. RESULTS We found that gay-bias (versus non-gay-bias) victimization is meaningfully connected with the inwardly destructive behavior of attempted suicide among adolescents. We also found that hopelessness helps explain associations between gay-bias victimization and suicide attempts and that the presence of a GSA club on a school's campus attenuates significant connections between gay-bias victimization and suicide attempts by reducing hopelessness. CONCLUSION Gay-bias victims are more likely than other victims to attempt suicide while also feeling more hopeless. The presence of a GSA on campus may help to reduce the attempted suicide and hopelessness associated with gay-bias victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan Davis
- Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, CA.
| | | | - Chris Pullig
- Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University, Waco, TX
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132
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Seil KS, Desai MM, Smith MV. Sexual orientation, adult connectedness, substance use, and mental health outcomes among adolescents: findings from the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:1950-6. [PMID: 25121812 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined associations between identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) and lacking a connection with an adult at school on adolescent substance use and mental health outcomes including suicidality. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n=8910). Outcomes of interest included alcohol use, marijuana use, illicit drug use, depressive symptomatology, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt. RESULTS The prevalence of each outcome was significantly higher among LGB adolescents than heterosexual adolescents and among those who lacked an adult connection at school than among those who did have such a connection. Even when LGB adolescents had an adult connection at school, their odds of most outcomes were significantly higher than for heterosexual adolescents. Those LGB adolescents who lacked a school adult connection had the poorest outcomes (about 45% reported suicide ideation; 31% suicide attempt). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents who are LGB, particularly those who lack a connection with school adults, are at high risk for substance use and poorer mental health outcomes. Interventions should focus on boosting social support and improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie S Seil
- Kacie S. Seil and Mayur M. Desai are with Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, New Haven, CT. Megan V. Smith is with Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven
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133
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Ross LE, Bauer GR, MacLeod MA, Robinson M, MacKay J, Dobinson C. Mental health and substance use among bisexual youth and non-youth in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101604. [PMID: 25111292 PMCID: PMC4128599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that bisexuals have poorer health outcomes than heterosexuals, gays, or lesbians, particularly with regard to mental health and substance use. However, research on bisexuals is often hampered by issues in defining bisexuality, small sample sizes, and by the failure to address age differences between bisexuals and other groups or age gradients in mental health. The Risk & Resilience Survey of Bisexual Mental Health collected data on 405 bisexuals from Ontario, Canada, using respondent-driven sampling, a network-based sampling method for hidden populations. The weighted prevalence of severe depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 20) was 4.7%, possible anxiety disorder (OASIS ≥ 8) was 30.9%, possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-C ≥ 50) was 10.8%, and past year suicide attempt was 1.9%. With respect to substance use, the weighted prevalence of problem drinking (AUDIT ≥ 5) was 31.2%, and the weighted prevalence of illicit polydrug use was 30.5%. Daily smoking was low in this sample, with a weighted prevalence of 7.9%. Youth (aged 16-24) reported significantly higher weighted mean scores on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and higher rates of past year suicidal ideation (29.7% vs. 15.2%) compared with those aged 25 and older. The burden of mental health and substance use among bisexuals in Ontario is high relative to population-based studies of other sexual orientation groups. Bisexual youth appear to be at risk for poor mental health. Additional research is needed to understand if and how minority stress explains this burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori E. Ross
- Health Systems & Health Equity Research Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greta R. Bauer
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa A. MacLeod
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Robinson
- Health Systems & Health Equity Research Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenna MacKay
- Health Systems & Health Equity Research Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Dobinson
- Health Systems & Health Equity Research Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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134
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DiFulvio GT. Experiencing Violence and Enacting Resilience: The Case Story of a Transgender Youth. Violence Against Women 2014; 21:1385-405. [PMID: 25091981 DOI: 10.1177/1077801214545022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Research about victimization among sexual minority youth has focused on documenting the prevalence and consequences of such experiences. Lacking in the literature is an in-depth exploration of the social context of both risk and resilience in the face of violence. This is especially true for transgender youth who are largely absent from the dominant discourse. This case story provides an example of how one transgender youth interpreted and adaptively responded to the discrimination and prejudice she encountered. Katie's story illustrates the process of resilience. Despite the adversity she has faced, she shares stories of pride and strength in a culture that considers her as "other."
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135
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Mayer KH, Garofalo R, Makadon HJ. Promoting the successful development of sexual and gender minority youths. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:976-81. [PMID: 24825194 PMCID: PMC4061989 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.301876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Because of societal discomfort with atypical expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youths have experienced enhanced developmental challenges compared with their heterosexual peers. A recent special issue of the American Journal of Public Health delineated how social stigma affecting LGBT youths has resulted in a wide range of health disparities, ranging from increased prevalence of depression and substance use to downstream effects, such as an increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease when older. We review the clinical significance of these findings for health care professionals, who need to become informed about these associations to provide better care for their sexual and gender minority youth patients, and to be able to educate their parents and other caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth H Mayer
- Kenneth H. Mayer and Harvey J. Makadon are with The Fenway Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Robert Garofalo is with the Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Lurie Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
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136
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Bostwick WB, Meyer I, Aranda F, Russell S, Hughes T, Birkett M, Mustanski B. Mental health and suicidality among racially/ethnically diverse sexual minority youths. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:1129-36. [PMID: 24825217 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the relationships among sexual minority status, sex, and mental health and suicidality, in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of adolescents. METHODS Using pooled data from 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys within 14 jurisdictions, we used hierarchical linear modeling to examine 6 mental health outcomes across 6 racial/ethnic groups, intersecting with sexual minority status and sex. Based on an omnibus measure of sexual minority status, there were 6245 sexual minority adolescents in the current study. The total sample was n = 72,691. RESULTS Compared with heterosexual peers, sexual minorities reported higher odds of feeling sad; suicidal ideation, planning and attempts; suicide attempt treated by a doctor or nurse, and self-harm. Among sexual minorities, compared with White youths, Asian and Black youths had lower odds of many outcomes, whereas American Native/Pacific Islander, Latino, and Multiracial youths had higher odds. CONCLUSIONS Although in general, sexual minority youths were at heightened risk for suicidal outcomes, risk varied based on sex and on race/ethnicity. More research is needed to better understand the manner in which sex and race/ethnicity intersect among sexual minorities to influence risk and protective factors, and ultimately, mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy B Bostwick
- Wendy B. Bostwick, is with the Public Health and Health Education Programs, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, De Kalb. Ilan Meyer is with the Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles. Frances Aranda and Tonda Hughes are with the College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago. Stephen Russell is with the Division of Family Studies and Human Development and the Frances McClelland Institute for Children, Youth, and Families, University of Arizona, Tucson. Michelle Birkett and Brian Mustanski are with the Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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137
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Mustanski B, Birkett M, Greene GJ, Hatzenbuehler ML, Newcomb ME. Envisioning an America without sexual orientation inequities in adolescent health. Am J Public Health 2014; 104:218-25. [PMID: 24328618 PMCID: PMC3935693 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This article explicates a vision for social change throughout multiple levels of society necessary to eliminate sexual orientation health disparities in youths. We utilized the framework of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of development, a multisystemic model of development that considers direct and indirect influences of multiple levels of the environment. Within this multisystem model we discuss societal and political influences, educational systems, neighborhoods and communities, romantic relationships, families, and individuals. We stress that continued change toward equity in the treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths across these levels will break down the barriers for these youths to achieve healthy development on par with their heterosexual peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Brian Mustanski, Michelle Birkett, George J. Greene, and Michael E. Newcomb are with Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Mark L. Hatzenbuehler is with Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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138
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Mustanski B, Van Wagenen A, Birkett M, Eyster S, Corliss HL. Identifying sexual orientation health disparities in adolescents: analysis of pooled data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005 and 2007. Am J Public Health 2013; 104:211-7. [PMID: 24328640 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
We studied sexual orientation disparities in health outcomes among US adolescents by pooling multiple Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data sets from 2005 and 2007 for 14 jurisdictions. Here we describe the methodology for pooling and analyzing these data sets. Sexual orientation-related items assessed sexual orientation identity, gender of sexual contacts, sexual attractions, and harassment regarding sexual orientation. Wording of items varied across jurisdictions, so we created parallel variables and composite sexual minority variables. We used a variety of statistical approaches to address issues with the analysis of pooled data and to meet the aims of individual articles, which focused on a range of health outcomes and behaviors related to cancer, substance use, sexual health, mental health, violence, and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Brian Mustanski and Michelle Birkett are with the Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Aimee Van Wagenen is with Fenway Health, Boston, MA. Sandra Eyster is with the American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC. Heather L. Corliss is with the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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