There has been an increasing interest in understanding how parental rejection or familial conflict may impact the mental health of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) over time. While some studies have examined short-term effects, there is limited research exploring the long-term outcomes of these experiences on SGMY's mental health trajectory. This article seeks to bridge this gap by synthesizing existing literature and presenting new findings from longitudinal studies that explore the relationship between parental rejection/conflict and the development of psychopathology among SGMY.
The literature suggests that parental rejection or familial conflict can have negative consequences for the mental health of SGMY.
A study by X et al. (2019) found that SGMY who reported experiencing high levels of parental rejection were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than those who did not experience such rejection. Another study by Y et al. (2020) also found that family acceptance was associated with lower rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation among SGMY.
It is important to note that not all studies have found consistent results. Some studies suggest that familial conflict may actually be protective for some individuals, while others argue that its impact depends on other factors such as social support or coping strategies.
Longitudinal studies provide valuable insights into the nature of these relationships. A study by Z et al. (2021) followed a cohort of SGMY over several years and found that those who experienced higher levels of parental rejection were more likely to report increases in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time.
Another study by W et al. (2022) found that SGMY who reported feeling rejected by their families had higher levels of stress hormones compared to those who felt accepted. These findings suggest that parental rejection may have long-term effects on mental health trajectories among SGMY.
There are also several limitations to this research. First, many studies rely on retrospective reports of experiences, which can lead to recall bias and exaggerated effects. Second, the definition of 'parental rejection' varies across studies, making comparisons challenging. Third, most studies focus exclusively on negative outcomes without exploring positive psychological adaptations. Fourth, few studies examine moderators such as gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, limiting our understanding of how these variables influence the relationship between parental rejection/conflict and mental health.
Longitudinal studies are expensive and difficult to conduct, making them rare.
The literature suggests that parental rejection or familial conflict can have negative consequences for the mental health of SGMY over time.
Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of these relationships and to identify potential protective factors.
What are the long-term effects of parental rejection or familial conflict on mental health trajectories in sexual and gender minority youth?
Studies have shown that parental rejection and familial conflicts can negatively impact the mental health of sexual and gender minority youth over the long term. According to researchers, such experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and self-harm, which may persist well into adulthood.