The relationship between perceived social support and resilience has been widely studied in various contexts, including among people from marginalized backgrounds.
There have been limited studies on how these factors influence the experiences of chronically marginalized LGBTQ populations. This article will explore the effects of perceived social support and resilience on LGBTQ individuals who experience persistent marginalization and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Research suggests that perceived social support is an important factor in promoting mental health and well-being among LGBTQ individuals. Social support refers to the feeling of belonging, acceptance, and connection with others, which can come from family members, friends, coworkers, or community organizations. Perceived social support is the perception that one has access to adequate social resources, such as emotional and instrumental assistance, when needed. Studies show that individuals with high levels of perceived social support are more likely to report better mental health outcomes than those without it.
Resilience is defined as the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from stressful situations. Resilient individuals have a set of skills and attributes that enable them to adapt and thrive despite challenges and difficult life circumstances. Research shows that resilience is related to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
In the context of chronic marginalization, social support and resilience may be particularly significant for LGBTQ individuals.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people often face stigma, prejudice, and discrimination based on their identities. This can lead to negative consequences such as isolation, rejection, and violence.
Research suggests that resilience may help buffer these effects by enabling individuals to navigate challenging environments and maintain positive relationships.
One study examined the relationship between perceived social support and resilience in a sample of 120 LGBTQ youths aged 18-25 years old. The results showed that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with greater resilience, which was in turn associated with fewer symptoms of PTSD. Another study found that LGBTQ adults who had experienced discrimination reported higher levels of perceived social support but also lower levels of resilience compared to non-discriminated peers. These findings suggest that while social support may protect against negative outcomes, it may not necessarily promote resilience among those experiencing persistent adversity.
This article has provided an overview of the relationship between perceived social support and resilience in chronically marginalized LGBTQ populations. Future research should continue to explore how these factors influence mental health and well-being in diverse subgroups within the LGBTQ community, such as racial/ethnic minorities or immigrants.
Interventions targeted at promoting social support and resilience could potentially improve mental health outcomes for marginalized LGBTQ individuals.
What is the relationship between perceived social support and resilience in chronically marginalized LGBTQ populations?
Research suggests that perceived social support can be an important factor influencing resilience among LGBTQ populations who face chronic marginalization due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (e. g. , Hershberger et al. , 2017). Social support refers to the perception of being cared for by others, such as family members, friends, partners, and community organizations (Herrera & Owens, 2015).