The purpose of this research is to explore what factors predict successful identity integration and psychological resilience among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military personnel who are currently serving or have previously served in the United States armed forces. This article will examine the current literature on the experiences of LGBT service members and veterans, including their unique challenges and strengths related to identity integration and psychological resilience. It will then identify potential predictors of successful identity integration and psychological resilience, such as social support, cultural competency training, and access to mental health resources. The article will conclude with implications for future research and practice, highlighting the importance of supporting LGBT military personnel in order to promote positive outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.
Literature Review
The experiences of LGBT military personnel have been understudied compared to those of their heterosexual counterparts, despite increasing recognition and acceptance of LGBT identities within civilian life. Studies that have examined these experiences have consistently found that LGBT service members and veterans face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly in terms of discrimination and stigma (Baumle et al., 2016). These challenges can impact their ability to fully integrate into their unit culture and develop strong relationships with colleagues (Dennis et al., 2019), leading to negative consequences for mental health (Gardiner & Tucker, 2017; Kane & Singer, 2013).
Some studies have also identified factors that contribute to success among LGBT service members and veterans, such as access to supportive social networks and cultural competency training (Parker et al., 2018). This suggests that there may be specific interventions that can help promote positive outcomes for this population.
Potential Predictors of Successful Identity Integration and Psychological Resilience
One potential predictor of successful identity integration and psychological resilience among LGBT military personnel is social support. Social support has been linked to better mental health outcomes across a range of populations (Cohen & Wills, 1985), including LGBT individuals (Szymanczyk et al., 2014). In the context of the military, having support from peers and superiors can facilitate the development of trusting relationships and create a sense of belonging within one's unit (Murphy & Dillard-Runkle, 2015). This may be especially important for LGBT service members and veterans who may experience marginalization or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Providing additional training on how to provide culturally competent care to LGBT clients may also be helpful in promoting successful identity integration and psychological resilience (Wright et al., 2019).
Access to mental health resources, such as counseling services and stress management programs, can enable LGBT military personnel to cope with challenges related to their identities and develop greater psychological resilience (Garnets et al., 2017; Singer et al., 2016).
Implications for Future Research and Practice
The findings of this review suggest that there are specific interventions that can help promote positive outcomes for LGBT military personnel. Specifically, providing social support, cultural competency training, and access to mental health resources may all contribute to successful identity integration and psychological resilience among this population. Future research should explore these potential predictors more thoroughly in order to identify effective strategies for supporting LGBT military personnel.
Efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the armed forces may improve overall wellbeing and readiness by enabling all service members to feel valued and supported regardless of their identity.
What factors predict successful identity integration and psychological resilience among LGBT military personnel?
According to research, several factors have been found to contribute to successful identity integration and psychological resilience among LGBT military personnel. These include individual characteristics such as self-acceptance, social support, and coping skills; organizational factors like access to inclusive policies and resources, and cultural climate; and external influences including family support, stigma experiences, and community acceptance.