The experience of growing up in societies that stigmatize nonconforming gender identities and sexual orientations can have profound effects on the developmental trajectories of adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). As a result, LGBTQ individuals may develop various coping strategies to navigate their experiences of social marginalization, which can range from highly adaptive to potentially harmful depending on factors such as cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Some LGBTQ youth may engage in behaviors aimed at minimizing their visibility to others, while others may adopt more confrontational approaches to advocate for greater acceptance.
Recent research has found that these strategies are not equally effective across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that further investigation is needed into how best to support LGBTQ youth in navigating this challenging terrain.
What are the most common coping strategies employed by LGBTQ adolescents?
One common strategy employed by LGBTQ adolescents is to conceal or minimize their identity, which involves avoiding certain situations or interactions where they might be judged or discriminated against based on their sexuality or gender expression. This may involve hiding one's identity online or among peers, dressing in ways that conform to gender norms, or limiting participation in activities associated with traditional masculinity or femininity. Another common strategy is to seek out support networks within the LGBTQ community, whether through online communities or local organizations. These networks provide a safe space for LGBTQ adolescents to connect with peers who share similar experiences and can offer emotional and practical support.
Are there differences in the effectiveness of coping strategies across cultural and socioeconomic contexts?
Studies have shown that the effectiveness of coping strategies varies depending on factors such as geographic location and social class.
Research suggests that LGBTQ youth from lower-income families may be more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, including substance abuse and unprotected sex, as a way to cope with feelings of rejection and isolation. Conversely, higher-income families may have greater access to resources and support systems, making it easier for these individuals to adopt healthier coping mechanisms.
Cultural attitudes toward sexual minorities can also impact the efficacy of different coping strategies; for instance, some countries have legal protections for LGBTQ individuals while others do not, which can shape how LGBTQ youth navigate their identities in public spaces.
What coping strategies do LGBT adolescents develop to manage social marginalization, and how effective are these strategies across cultural and socioeconomic contexts?
Although many studies have documented the negative impact of discrimination on health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) youth (Fraser et al. , 2016; Hershberger et al.