To What Extent Does Perceived Social Support/Family Acceptance Affect LGBTQ+ Adolescents' Mental Health in China?

Abstract

Given the global discussion surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and welfare, this research addresses mental health nuances specific to Chinese adolescents who identify as LGBTQ+. Understanding how perceptions of social support work within Chinese societal structures shaped by historical and Confucian values is paramount. Adolescence, which is already a challenging stage of identity formation, becomes even more so for LGBTQ+ individuals due to society's recognition and acceptance that can directly impact their mental well-being. Utilizing positive psychology, this research investigates the protective role that social support has for its recipients. Through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), this research seeks to understand the relationship between perceived social support and mental health in this demographic. Due to the sensitivity surrounding LGBTQ+ identities in China, an online survey method was selected and distributed via key Chinese platforms. Our findings indicated a striking negative correlation between perceived social support and psychological distress - emphasizing the significance of peer and family acknowledgment for individual well-being. This study provides a platform for understanding LGBTQ+ experiences in China and developing interventions that address their mental well-being.