Prevalence of Negative Life Experiences Amongst Queer Youth Compared to Cisgender, Heterosexual Counterparts

Abstract

The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and Trevor Project’s National LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Surveys conclude that LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk for both mental illness and dating violence when compared to their cisgender, heterosexual (cishet) peers. However, both overlook negative life experiences such as loneliness, self-harm or emotional abuse amongst queer youth in relation to their cishet counterparts. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of understudied negative life experiences amongst queer youth. To accomplish this, an anonymous web-based survey was distributed to various youth-centric online communities. This survey employed a Likert scale to gauge respondents’ attitudes and experiences. Cross-sectional analysis of the results confirms that queer youth are at a higher risk for negative life experiences, from depression and loneliness to physical bullying and dating violence. Novel findings include the fact that a large percentage of queer youth do not know how to respond to emotional abuse and are more likely than cishet adolescents to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms. These results highlight the desperate need for accessible resources and educational opportunities regarding healthy relationships and coping mechanisms for all youth, especially for those who self-identify as queer.