The word "resilience" is often associated with an individual's ability to overcome adversity, trauma, and stress. It refers to one's capacity to bounce back from challenges that life throws their way and adapt positively to these circumstances. Adolescence can be a time when young people face many significant changes, including those related to family dynamics, peer relationships, school performance, and self-identity. For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBT) adolescents, coming out or revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity to friends, family, teachers, and others may bring new challenges and potential rejection or acceptance. How does this affect their resilience?
Coming out is a process that begins with acknowledging one's own feelings and then deciding whether and how to share them with others. Family support or rejection plays a critical role in shaping LGBT adolescents' coping strategies during this process. According to research, youth who receive parental support are more likely to develop positive psychological wellbeing than those whose families reject them. This support may come in various forms, such as emotional, financial, and practical help. Some parents may express love for their child despite not fully understanding or accepting their gender identity or sexual orientation, which can also contribute to resilience. On the other hand, rejection by family members can lead to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among LGBT adolescents. They may feel alone, isolated, and vulnerable without the unconditional love and support they need.
When faced with rejection, LGBT adolescents must find ways to cope with the pain and stress it causes. Coping mechanisms could include seeking social support from peers or therapists, engaging in hobbies or activities that provide comfort and distraction, practicing self-care through exercise, relaxation techniques, or healthy eating habits, and learning to set boundaries with people who do not accept them. These strategies help build their sense of self-worth, confidence, and identity, which may be damaged by negative family interactions. Through these processes, young people learn to rely on themselves rather than external factors like family approval or disapproval for validation.
The family environment plays an essential role in shaping LGBT adolescents' resilience and coping abilities. The supportive response of parents and caregivers during coming out can greatly impact how they navigate this critical period of life and develop a strong sense of identity. For those who experience rejection or lack support, building their own sources of strength and support becomes crucial.
What role does family support or rejection play in shaping resilience, coping, and identity formation among LGBT adolescents?
There are many factors that shape resilience, coping, and identity formation among LGBT adolescents, including individual differences such as age, gender expression, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Family support is one factor that can have a significant impact on these processes.