Associations of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning–Inclusive Sex Education With Mental Health Outcomes and School-Based Victimization in U.S. High School Students

Abstract

PurposeHomophobic school climates are related to increased victimization for sexual minority youth (SMY), leading to increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. Interventions that promote positive school climate may reduce the risk of victimization and adverse mental health outcomes in SMY. This study explored whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ)–inclusive sex education is associated with adverse mental health and school-based victimization in U.S. youth. MethodsData analysis of representative data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the 2014 School Health Profiles was conducted using multilevel logistic models testing whether youth in states with higher proportions of schools teaching LGBTQ-inclusive sex education had lower odds of reporting being bullied in school and experiencing adverse mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms and suicidality. ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, protective effects for all youth were found for suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: .91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .89–.93) and making a suicide plan (AOR: .79; 95% CI: .77–.80). Lesbian and gay youth had lower odds of experiencing bullying in school as the proportion of schools within a state teaching LGBTQ-inclusive sex education increased (AOR: .83; CI: .71–.97). Bisexual youth had significantly lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms (AOR: .92; 95% CI: .87–.98). ConclusionsStudents in states with a greater proportion of LGBTQ-inclusive sex education have lower odds of experiencing school-based victimization and adverse mental health. These findings can be used to guide intervention development at the school and state levels.