Researchers have extensively studied how families can affect the lives of LGBT teens in many aspects. Studies show that family rejection is one of the main factors that lead to negative outcomes for these young people. Rejection from their parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, and peers can cause them to develop low self-esteem and confidence levels. It may also lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies among others. On the contrary, supportive families encourage their children to explore their sexual identities freely without fearing judgement or discrimination. Such support helps them to develop coping strategies and resilience towards life's challenges.
The process of identity development among LGBT adolescents is influenced by various external and internal factors. One of the significant influences comes from their families who play a crucial role in shaping their behaviors, attitudes, values, beliefs, and perceptions about themselves. This means that parents' acceptance plays an integral role in determining whether they will cope well with the stressors associated with being gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender or not. As such, it would be accurate to say that family support or rejection determines how much resilient and confident LGBT individuals become in dealing with life's situations.
Family rejection can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and suicide attempts among LGBT teenagers as they feel isolated from their close ones. They might lack the motivation needed to pursue academic achievements or personal goals because they fear criticism from society due to their status. When rejected by their loved ones, they lose hope in life and feel worthless, leading to negative outcomes like drug abuse, alcoholism, criminal activities, etc., which affect both them and those around them negatively. Family members often reject their kids for religious reasons, cultural norms, tradition, etc., creating feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, etc., that impact their behavioral patterns. Consequently, some may turn against their religion while others withdraw socially into private spaces where only trusted friends know about their sexual orientation.
Supportive families encourage their children to explore and express themselves without judgment, creating room for healthy discussions on topics related to sex, intimacy, relationships, gender roles, etc., thus helping them develop positive coping mechanisms. Acceptance also helps create a sense of belonging and encouragement towards exploring new things, including career choices and interests outside what is expected from them by society or peers based on traditional gender norms. Supportive parents actively participate in conversations regarding gender identity development within the household environment; this enables young people not only to be comfortable but also build confidence levels regarding their identities.
What role does family support or rejection play in shaping resilience, coping strategies, and identity development among LGBT adolescents?
Family support or rejection plays an important role in shaping resilience, coping strategies, and identity development among LGBT adolescents. While some studies have found that family acceptance is associated with positive outcomes such as lower rates of depression and anxiety, other research has suggested that families may also contribute to negative psychological experiences for their LGBT children.