LGBT youth face unique challenges related to their gender identity and sexual orientation that can impact their mental health, wellbeing, and social support systems. Research has shown that involvement in faith-based mentorship, peer networks, and advocacy programs can promote resilience, coping strategies, and identity integration among this population.
The extent to which these factors influence each other is less clear. This article explores how engagement in these three areas may interact to shape the experiences of LGBT adolescents, and what implications this has for their overall development.
Mentoring is a process where one individual provides guidance and support to another in a structured relationship. Faith-based mentors are individuals who share similar religious beliefs and values, and offer spiritual advice and support. Peer networks involve groups of individuals sharing common interests or identities, providing emotional and practical support to one another. Advocacy programs aim to create awareness and change public policy to improve the lives of marginalized populations. Together, these interventions can help LGBT youth build resilience by developing social connections, gaining access to resources, and strengthening their sense of self.
Research suggests that engaging with faith-based mentors can promote coping skills such as positive thinking, goal setting, and self-care. Mentors provide guidance on how to navigate difficult situations and maintain hope during times of distress. They also help LGBT youth develop a positive sense of self by affirming their value and worth as individuals. In addition, peer networks have been found to reduce isolation and increase feelings of belonging, which can be particularly beneficial for LGBT youth who often face rejection from family and friends. Advocacy programs can empower young people to take action against discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive society, promoting a sense of agency and purpose.
The degree to which these factors influence each other is complex.
Some studies suggest that faith-based mentorship may not always be conducive to identity integration if it involves conservative religious values that do not align with LGBT identities. Similarly, peer network involvement may lead to increased pressure to conform to specific gender norms or sexual orientations, potentially undermining efforts at identity integration.
Advocacy programs may not directly address the needs of individual adolescents but rather focus on broader systemic issues.
Research has shown that engagement in any one of these areas can contribute to overall wellbeing and support developmental processes.
While there are potential drawbacks associated with engagement in faith-based mentorship, peer networks, and advocacy programs, they remain important interventions for supporting LGBT adolescent mental health and resilience. By providing opportunities for social connection, emotional support, and empowerment, these initiatives can help build coping skills, promote identity integration, and ultimately improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
How does engagement in faith-based mentorship, peer networks, and advocacy programs influence coping, resilience, and identity integration for LGBT adolescents?
A study found that participation in faith-based mentorship, peer networks, and advocacy programs can help LGBT adolescents cope with challenges related to their sexual orientation and gender identity, build resilience, and integrate their identities into larger social contexts (Stanley et al. , 2017).