LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences of Parental Rejection and School-Based Harassment
Research has indicated that experiences of parental rejection can have serious negative effects on the mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people. Researchers have found that this is particularly true when those experiences occur alongside school-based harassment, which often serves to compound existing stressors and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness among LGBTQ+ youth. This essay will explore how these experiences interact to affect the mental health and coping strategies of LGBTQ+ youth, drawing on the results of several studies conducted over the past decade.
Rejection and Harassment: Two Major Stressors for LGBTQ+ Youth
Before examining the relationship between parental rejection and school-based harassment, it is important to understand why both of these factors are significant sources of stress for LGBTQ+ youth. For many young people who identify as LGBTQ+, coming out to their parents can be a difficult process that carries with it the risk of being rejected or disowned by loved ones. In some cases, this rejection can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, while in others it may result in physical or emotional abuse. The experience of rejection from family members can also make it more difficult for young LGBTQ+ individuals to develop strong social networks outside of their immediate families, as they may feel hesitant to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with peers or other adults.
School-based harassment has been shown to have serious negative effects on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Studies have found that LGBTQ+ students are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report feeling unsafe at school, experiencing bullying, and suffering from anxiety and depression. School-based harassment can take many forms, including verbal taunting, physical violence, and cyberbullying, but all types of harassment can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and decreased academic performance among LGBTQ+ youth.
The Interaction Between Rejection and Harassment: A Negative Synergy
Research has also indicated that experiences of parental rejection and school-based harassment tend to interact with one another in a way that can exacerbate both stressors for LGBTQ+ youth.
Studies have found that those who experience both rejection from their parents and harassment at school are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use and self-harm than those who only experience one type of stress. This suggests that exposure to multiple stressors can lead to a sense of hopelessness and desperation that makes it harder for LGBTQ+ young people to cope effectively.
Research has shown that these two factors can work together to erode resilience and increase feelings of helplessness in LGBTQ+ youth. When young people feel rejected by their families and isolated at school, they may struggle to develop the social support networks or coping strategies necessary to manage other life stressors, leading them to become even more vulnerable to negative outcomes.
Coping Strategies Among LGBTQ+ Youth
In addition to exploring the relationship between parental rejection and school-based harassment, researchers have also examined how these factors affect the coping strategies used by LGBTQ+ youth. In general, studies have found that LGBTQ+ individuals who experience both rejection from their families and harassment at school are more likely to use avoidant coping strategies (e.g., withdrawing from social situations) than those who experience just one form of stress.
This does not necessarily mean that these individuals are less effective at managing stress; instead, it suggests that they may be using different coping mechanisms than those who have fewer sources of stress in their lives.
The Importance of Supportive Environments for LGBTQ+ Youth
The experiences of parental rejection and school-based harassment are significant sources of stress for many LGBTQ+ young people, and the interaction between these factors can compound the challenges faced by already marginalized groups.
By creating supportive environments where all students can thrive, we can help reduce the risk of negative mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. This includes providing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, offering counseling services, and ensuring that parents understand the importance of affirming their child's identity regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. By working together, educators, parents, and community members can create a safe and inclusive environment that supports all students' mental health and well-being.
The experiences of parental rejection and school-based harassment are significant stressors for many LGBTQ+ youth, and the combination of these two factors can erode resilience and increase feelings of hopelessness. To address these issues, we must prioritize the creation of supportive environments that affirm the identities of all students and provide them with the resources they need to manage stress effectively.
How do experiences of parental rejection interact with school-based harassment to affect mental health and coping strategies in LGBT youth?
The experiences of parental rejection can have significant impact on an individual's overall wellbeing and mental health. This is especially true for LGBT individuals who may already be dealing with social stigma and discrimination related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.