The Role of Family Support for the Well-Being of Italian LGBTQ + Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Family acceptance or rejection has mediating effects on the mental health of LGBTQ + young adults. Restrictive measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of these individuals to exclusively interface with their family of origin, with significant consequences on their psychological well-being. This study aims to explore, from a qualitative perspective, the subjective experience of Italian LGBTQ + young adults during the COVID-19-related home isolation. An online semi-structured interview with 13 questions was administered to a sample of 25 participants. Inclusion criteria consisted of being aged 18 years or older and having spent at least one of the three pandemic waves with the family of origin in Italy. The interviews have been processed using the Thematic Analysis methodology. The findings of the present work showed that Italian LGBTQ + young adults perceived increased distress due to a lack of privacy and acceptance from their family members, which led to forced coming-out and repression of free expression. However, some participants perceived greater psychological well-being because they experienced the family environment as safe and supportive to explore their minority identities. The presence of coping strategies also emerged, such as resilience and avoidance.