Adolescent Sexual Orientation Research Articles

Asian/Pacific Islander adolescent sexual orientation and suicide risk in Guam.

We examined the effects of same-sex orientation on suicide risks for Guam's Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents. We used a probability sample and logistic regression analysis to identify suicide risk factors. Same-sex orientation was associated with a greater risk of suicide attempt, especially for boys. Adolescents who reported suffering physical abuse in the context of a romantic relationship, engaging in binge drinking, and experiencing feelings of hopelessness were at greater risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Race/ethnicity was associated with suicide risk for both boys and girls, and patterns suggest that membership in the same racial/ethnic group decreased suicide risk for girls and increased risk of suicide for boys. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam deserve intervention and counseling programs to reduce suicide risk.

Adolescents define sexual orientation and suggest ways to measure it

Researchers disagree on how to assess adolescent sexual orientation. The relative importance of various dimensions (e.g. attraction, relationships, behavior, self-labeling) is unknown, which calls into question the validity of studies assessing adolescent sexual orientation. To address this issue, 50 male and female adolescents of varied sexual orientations participated in focus groups and interviews. Two types of sexual attraction—one a physiologic reaction and the other a cognitive response—were central to adolescent sexual orientation. Participants did not perceive sexual behavior and self-identification as necessarily relevant. Preliminary items to measure sexual attraction were developed based on these adolescents’ perceptions.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities and youth: psychological perspectives

PART I: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS 1. Psychosocial Change at Puberty and Beyond: Understanding Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Orientation 2. Biological Factors in the Development of Sexual Orientation 3. Exotic becomes Erotic: Integrating Biological and Experiential Antecedents of Sexual Orientation PART II: PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES 4. Toward a Reconceptualization of the Coming-Out Process for Adolescent Females 5. Developmental Trajectories of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths 6. Intimacy Development, Gender, and Ethnicity among Sexual-Minority Youths PART III: ISSUES FOR INTERVENTION AND SOCIAL CHANGE 7. Avoiding HIV/AIDS and the Challenge of Growing Up Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual 8. The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths in University Communities 9. The Victimization of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths 10. Counseling Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths 11. Educational Reform and Sexual Identity: Conflicts and Challenges 12. Social Change, Sexual Diversity, and Tolerance for Bisexuality in the United States Index

Adolescent Sexual Orientation and Suicide Risk: Evidence From a National Study

Sexual orientation has been a debated risk factor for adolescent suicidality over the past 20 years. This study examined the link between sexual orientation and suicidality, using data that are nationally representative and that include other critical youth suicide risk factors. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were examined. Survey logistic regression was used to control for sample design effects. There is a strong link between adolescent sexual orientation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The strong effect of sexual orientation on suicidal thoughts is mediated by critical youth suicide risk factors, including depression, hopelessness, alcohol abuse, recent suicide attempts by a peer or a family member, and experiences of victimization. The findings provide strong evidence that sexual minority youths are more likely than their peers to think about and attempt suicide.

Coming Out: Adolescence and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Identity

"Abstract: This paper offers a Gestalt perspective on adolescent sexual orientation within the hamewark of the author's own 'coming out' experience in the 1960s. In exploring a Gestalt field model for understanding adolescent development with particular reference to GLB and msgendered youth, it considers three stages of evolution in contact boundary development. The author discusses the impact of sexual identity development upon these stages of maturation, highlighting the need for therapists, parents and caregivers to be aware of the specific challenges and dilemmas of adolescent GLB identify formatian. Key words: gay, lesbian, bisexual, mansgender, sexuality, coming out, adolescent, figural awareness, sexual orientation."