Care Ethics and Supporting LGBT Youth
Care ethics is an approach to understanding human interactions that emphasizes caring for others as a primary moral value. This approach has been used to examine how individuals interact with one another in various contexts, including healthcare settings. When applied to supporting LGBT youth who have experienced familial rejection, care ethics can provide valuable insights into how clinicians and therapists can create safe and supportive environments for these young people.
It is important to understand the impact of familial rejection on LGBT youth. Families are often the most important source of social support and acceptance for children and adolescents, but when they reject their child's sexual orientation or gender identity, this can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and fear. Studies have shown that LGBT youth who experience family rejection are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use and self-harm, and are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They may also struggle with forming positive relationships with other adults and peers due to negative experiences within the home environment. As such, it is essential that clinical and therapeutic professionals create spaces where LGBT youth feel safe and supported.
Applying care ethics to this situation means focusing on creating an environment of mutual respect and empathy between clinician/therapist and patient. This requires building trust through active listening, validation of the patient's feelings, and nonjudgmental communication. It also involves recognizing the patient's individuality and autonomy while providing guidance and assistance in navigating difficult situations. Clinicians and therapists should strive to be mindful of their own biases and assumptions about sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to create a space where patients feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.
Care ethics encourages practitioners to consider how their actions might impact not only the immediate needs of the patient but also wider systems and communities.
Clinicians could advocate for policies that promote inclusive environments at schools or in medical settings.
Care ethics also emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making in all interactions. This means involving the patient in discussions about treatment plans and outcomes, rather than simply prescribing them a course of action. Patients should be given agency over their own lives and bodies, and have the opportunity to voice concerns and preferences. By engaging in dialogue with patients, clinicians can better understand their unique circumstances and help them navigate complex issues like coming out to friends, family members, and potential partners.
Care ethics provides a framework for supporting LGBT youth who have experienced familial rejection by prioritizing relationships based on empathy, respect, and empowerment. By creating spaces where patients feel heard, validated, and supported, clinicians and therapists can play an important role in helping these young people heal from trauma and build positive relationships.
References:
1. Baams, L., & Hesseling, A. J. (2014). The effects of parental rejection on psychological well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children: A systematic review. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 19(2), 173–185. https://doi.org/10.11777/13591043X135060140
2. Mereish, E. J., Watson, L. B., Gladstone, S., & McClelland, G. (2012). Family Acceptance and Risk of Suicide Attempts Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Young Adults. Pediatrics, 130(4), e947–e953. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-1265
How can care ethics inform clinical and therapeutic approaches to supporting LGBT youth facing familial rejection?
Care ethics is an approach that focuses on providing support to individuals who experience marginalization and oppression. This approach emphasizes empathy, relationships, and mutuality as central elements of caregiving. Care ethics offers valuable insights into how healthcare providers should support LGBT youth facing familial rejection. Firstly, care ethics highlights the importance of establishing trust with patients and building relationships based on empathy and respect for their experiences.