Bisexual Adolescents Research Articles

The Application of Minority Stress Theory to Marijuana Use Among Sexual Minority Adolescents

Previous research indicates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are at increased risk for substance use, including heightened rates of marijuana use. Minority stress theory suggests that difficult social situations create a state of chronic stress that leads to poor health outcomes for LGB adults; however, the applicability of this model has not been well explored in relation to substance use among LGB adolescents. The current study is a secondary analysis of the OutProud survey, conducted in 2000. The original study used purposive sampling to collect data from 1,911 LGB adolescents (age 12–17) across the United States, and represents the largest known study to explore experiences specific to identifying as LGB, such as homophobia and gay-related victimization. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the feasibility of applying a minority stress framework to understand marijuana use in this population. The final structural model for marijuana use in the LGB adolescent sample displayed excellent fit and modest explanatory power for marijuana use. Two of the five factors, community connectedness and internalized homophobia, were significantly (p < .05) associated with marijuana use. Findings suggest that minority stress theory may be appropriately applied to marijuana use in this population; however, better measurement of minority stress concepts for LGB adolescents is needed.

Disparities in tobacco use by sexual orientation among high school students

ObjectiveThis study examined whether cigarette use is associated with sexual orientation among high school students. MethodsData were from a 2012 cross-sectional survey of 5994 students in grades 9, 10 and 12 attending public schools in Atlantic Canada. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to examine differences in cigarette use by sexual orientation. ResultsLesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents (LGB) reported higher prevalence (22%) of daily cigarette use compared with heterosexuals (11%). Multilevel logistic regression analysis, controlling for standard covariates, found that LGB adolescents were more likely to be daily smokers than non-LGB adolescents (odds ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.50–2.68). Bisexual adolescents were at least twice more likely to be a smoker compared with heterosexual adolescents. ConclusionsPrevalence of cigarette use was significantly higher among LGB adolescent students. Our results join a growing body of evidence indicating that sexual minorities are at heightened risk of tobacco use. Smoking cessation measures that specifically target this group may be beneficial given that there is no one size fits all approach.

Differences in perceived health status outcomes among heterosexual, homosexual (gay or lesbian) and bisexual Korean adolescents

El proposito de este estudio fue examinar las diferencias en los resultados del estado de salud percibido entre adolescentes coreanos heterosexuales, homosexuales (gays o lesbianas) y bisexuales. Originalmente, en 2012, mas de 70.000 adolescentes de 12 a 18 anos participaron en la Octava Encuesta Coreana para la Juventud sobre comportamientos riesgosos (KYRBWS-VIII). Sin embargo, solo 11.829 adolescentes proporcionaron informacion sobre sus experiencias sexuales y comportamientos, como los besos, las caricias, y orientaciones sexuales, es decir, homosexual (gay o lesbiana), bisexual o heterosexual. Por lo tanto, los datos de solo 11.829 adolescentes encuestados fueron analizados mediante un analisis de varianza, con una prueba post-hoc de Scheffe, para determinar las diferencias en los resultados del estado de salud percibido entre los adolescentes coreanos de los diferentes grupos de orientacion sexual. Jovenes en todos los 3 grupos mostraron diferencias significativas en el estado de salud general (p = 0,004), la felicidad (p = 0,045), y dormir lo suficiente (p = 0,004). Ademas, las comparaciones de grupo post-hoc de Scheffe muestran las puntuaciones significativas que revelan que los homosexuales (gay) chicos tenian peor salud general (p = 0,004) y los chicos bisexuales presentaban una deficiencia en el sueno (p = 0,017); sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en la felicidad entre homosexual (Gay) (p = 0,651) y chicos bisexuales (p = 0,064) en comparacion con los ninos heterosexuales. Por otra parte, no hubo diferencias significativas en la forma general del cuerpo (p = 0,320) y la salud oral (p = 0,549) entre los 3 grupos estudiados. Las ninas difieren significativamente en la forma del cuerpo general (p = 0,026) en todos los 3 grupos en los resultados de la ANOVA de una via. Sin embargo, de acuerdo con el analisis post-hoc de Scheffe, no existen diferencias significativas en forma general del cuerpo de las ninas, tanto en el homosexual (lesbiana) y bisexuales (p = 0,112 y 0,204, respectivamente). Ademas, no hubo diferencias significativas en el estado de salud general (p = 0,113), la felicidad (p = 0,602), la salud oral (p = 0,290), y dormir lo suficiente (p = 0,481) entre las adolescentes en los 3 grupos. A partir de estos resultados, se concluye que, en general, los adolescentes homosexuales (gays o lesbianas) y bisexuales de Corea no difieren significativamente de los adolescentes coreanos heterosexuales en los resultados del estado de salud percibido.

The Mediating Role of Self-Discrepancies in the Relationship Between Media Exposure and Well-Being Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents

Extant research suggests that exposure to depictions of sexuality in the media may influence the well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents. Far less is known about the underlying processes that may explain this relationship. Self-discrepancy theory was utilized to predict that relationships between media exposure and well-being among LGB adolescents would be mediated by self-discrepancies in identity. A national survey of 573 LGB adolescents revealed that exposure to gay- and lesbian-oriented media was positively related to the well-being of LGB teens. The relationship between gay- and lesbian-oriented media exposure and well-being was mediated by self-discrepancies in identity for LGB adolescents low in sexual identity commitment. This finding suggests that increased exposure to gay- and lesbian-oriented media could decrease uncommitted LGB teens' perceived differences between their actual selves and their ideal selves, which, in turn, could increase their well-being. A positive relationship between mainstream media exposure and well-being was not mediated by self-discrepancies. The discussion focuses on the role of media in the identity development and sexual socialization of LGB adolescents.

Employing Memory Narratives to Dissect the Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents

The relationship between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identities and negative psychoemotional outcomes among teens is well established; this study analyzed happy memory narratives written by 390 LGB adolescents to investigate positive life experiences that might improve the well-being of LGB youth. A significant number of narratives were classified as everyday leisure or special occasions. Happy memory narratives were also highly likely to reference friends. Few LGB adolescents recalled LGB-specific events. The data suggest LGB adolescents recall happy memories that would be considered normalized experiences similar to those of heterosexual adolescents. Implications for understanding the well-being of LGB youth are discussed.

Supporting transgender students in schools

As lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents, transgender students are are statistically more likely to have poorer mental health, and more prone to risk-taking behaviours, such as alcohol and drug misuse. They are also at an increased risk of bullying. It is therefore important that they are adequately supported in the school environment. This article looks at the challenges transgender children and young people may experience and offers guidance on supporting them.

Sex and Sexuality in Entertainment Media Popular With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents

Media may serve as important sexual socialization agents for lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adolescents who often have limited interpersonal resources from which to garner sexual information. A content analysis was conducted on a sample of television programs, films, magazines, and music popular with LGB youth to quantify the sexual messages LGB youth encounter in the media. Results suggest that heterosexuality is overrepresented and LGB sexualities are underrepresented in media popular with LGB adolescents. When depicted, LGB sexual talk was often talk about stereotypes or insults/jokes related to sexuality and rarely about relationships or sex. LGB sexual behaviors were nearly nonexistent. LGB sexual talk seems to be increasing in entertainment television, but LGB sexual behaviors have remained relatively rare over time. Findings are discussed in terms of the possible effects of exposure on LGB youth relying on media for information about sex and sexuality during sexual socialization.

The Dubious Assessment of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents of Add Health

In this essay, we argue that researchers who base their investigations of nonheterosexuality derived from reports of romantic attractions of adolescent participants from Wave 1 of Add Health must account for their disappearance in future waves of data collection. The high prevalence of Wave 1 youth with either both-sex or same-sex romantic attractions was initially striking and unexpected. Subsequent data from Add Health indicated that this prevalence sharply declined over time such that over 70 % of these Wave 1 adolescents identified as exclusively heterosexual as Wave 4 young adults. Three explanations are proposed to account for the high prevalence rate and the temporal inconsistency: (1) gay adolescents going into the closet during their young adult years; (2) confusion regarding the use and meaning of romantic attraction as a proxy for sexual orientation; and (3) the existence of mischievous adolescents who played a "jokester" role by reporting same-sex attraction when none was present. Relying on Add Health data, we dismissed the first explanation as highly unlikely and found support for the other two. Importantly, these "dubious" gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents may have led researchers to erroneously conclude from the data that sexual-minority youth are more problematic than heterosexual youth in terms of physical, mental, and social health.

"Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings": Correction to Diamond et al. (2011).

"Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings": Correction to Diamond et al. (2011).

Factores asociados con riesgo de suicidio de adolescentes y jóvenes autoidentificados como lesbianas, gays y bisexuales: estado actual de la literatura

IntroductionA framework within sexual and reproductive health is presented to understand the mental health issues of the population of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents and young people. Different ways of understanding the nature of internalized homophobia were developed. On the other hand, in suicidology studies it is understood that the risk of suicide consists of the steps of ideation, planning and attempted suicide, and that there is an increased risk of suicide in the LGB population. Numerous factors have been associated with suicide risk in this population, one of the main internalized homophobia and other mental health problems. ObjectivesBy means of a literature review, to establish the possible relationship between internalized homophobia and ideation and attempted suicide in the LGB population, as well as to identify the mental health problems associated to suicide risk in sexually diverse communities. MethodArticles in English and Spanish, mainly within the last five years, were reviewed. They included articles in peer reviewed journals, and databases, such as Google Scholar, Redalyc, Byreme, Ovid, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Ebsco. ResultsIt was found in the available literature that internalized homophobia is associated with suicide ideation and attempts in adults. A state of science of the major mental health problems associated with suicide risk in young LGB people reported contradictory findings. While some studies showed an association between depression, anxiety and distress and suicidal ideation and attempts, in others, the data do not allow such a conclusion. The theoretical framework presents the most important conceptualizations of suicide risk and emphasizes the social type. It identifies issues of suicide prevention, protective factors that contribute towards this, as well as elements of psychotherapy for LGB consultants. ConclusionsIt concludes and discusses the importance of studying the sexually diverse as regards determining factors of mental health in Latin America, given the limited amount of literature found in the Spanish language, and myths of major disease that persist in many segments of the population. This review considers it necessary to overcome such contradictions, in order to inform the general population and avoid further stigmatization.

Providing LGB adolescents with effective health education, advice and support

Although a majority of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents experience a generally happy and healthy adolescence evidence shows that they may be disproportionaly affected by poorer mental health, are more likely to consume drugs and alcohol at an earlier age and are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour. This is why it is important that school nurses are equipped to carry out effective health promotion and provide appropriate support for LGB teenagers. This article aims to provide practical advice for school nurses to help them meet the needs of this group.

Health consequences of racist and antigay discrimination for multiple minority adolescents.

Individuals who belong to a marginalized group and who perceive discrimination based on that group membership suffer from a variety of poor health outcomes. Many people belong to more than one marginalized group, and much less is known about the influence of multiple forms of discrimination on health outcomes. Drawing on literature describing the influence of multiple stressors, three models of combined forms of discrimination are discussed: additive, prominence, and exacerbation. The current study examined the influence of multiple forms of discrimination in a sample of African American lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adolescents ages 14-19. Each of the three models of combined stressors were tested to determine which best describes how racist and antigay discrimination combine to predict depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and substance use. Participants were included in this analysis if they identified their ethnicity as either African American (n = 156) or African American mixed (n = 120). Mean age was 17.45 years (SD = 1.36). Results revealed both forms of mistreatment were associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among African American LGB adolescents. Racism was more strongly associated with substance use. Future intervention efforts should be targeted toward reducing discrimination and improving the social context of multiple minority adolescents, and future research with multiple minority individuals should be attuned to the multiple forms of discrimination experienced by these individuals within their environments.

Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings.

The objective of this paper is to adapt attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) for use with suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents and to obtain preliminary data on the feasibility and efficacy of the treatment with this population. In Phase I, a treatment development team modified ABFT to meet the unique needs of LGB suicidal youth. In Phase II, 10 suicidal LGB youth were offered 12 weeks of LGB sensitive ABFT. Adolescents' report of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment-related anxiety and avoidance were gathered at pretreatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (posttreatment). In Phase I, the treatment was adapted to: (a) include more individual time working with parents in order to process their disappointments, pain, anger, and fears related to their adolescent's minority sexual orientation; (b) address the meaning, implications, and process of acceptance; and (c) heighten parents' awareness of subtle yet potent invalidating responses to their adolescents' sexual orientation. Results of Phase II suggest this population can be recruited and successfully treated with a family based therapy, evidenced by high levels of treatment retention and significant decreases in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. This is the first family-based treatment adapted and tested specifically for suicidal LGB adolescents. Though promising, the results are preliminary and more research on larger samples is warranted.

Population-level evaluation of school-based interventions to prevent problem substance use among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents in Canada

ObjectiveThis study examined whether students' odds of recent substance use were lower in the presence of gay-straight alliances or explicit anti-homophobia policy that had been established at their school recently, or at least 3years prior. MethodsWe analyzed a population-based sample of students in grades 8 through 12 from the British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey of 2008 (weighted N=21,708). We used multi-nomial logistic regressions to test the hypothesized effects of gay-straight alliances and policies on substance use outcomes for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, and heterosexual students separately. ResultsResults indicated that gay-straight alliances and anti-homophobic bullying policies were linked to significantly lower odds of some but not all types of recent risky alcohol use, and past-year harms from alcohol or drug use, but almost exclusively in schools where the policies or gay-straight alliances had been established for at least 3years; and among lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents, only for girls. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that these school-based strategies (gay-straight alliances and anti-homophobia policies) to reduce homophobia and foster school inclusion may be beneficial in reducing problem alcohol use among all students, not just sexual minority students.

Minority Stress and Substance Use in Sexual Minority Adolescents: A Meta-analysis

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents report disparate rates of substance use, and often consume more cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy than their heterosexual peers. It is therefore crucial to understand the risk factors for substance use among LGB adolescents, particularly those unique to their minority status. In an effort to organize the current knowledge of minority-related risk factors for substance use among LGB youth, this study presents results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published research literature. Results from 12 unique studies of LGB youth indicated that the strongest risk factors for substance use were victimization, lack of supportive environments, psychological stress, internalizing/externalizing problem behavior, negative disclosure reactions, and housing status. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for targeted intervention programs that address minority stress risk factors for substance use among LGB youth.

The Role of Religion and Stress in Sexual Identity and Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth

This study investigated religious stress, gay-related stress, sexual identity, and mental health outcomes in lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents and emerging adults. The model examined negative LGB identity as a mediator of the relationships between a) religious stress and mental health, and b) gay-related stress and mental health. The data indicated that negative LGB identity fully accounted for both relationships. Findings suggest that a negative sense of sexual identity for LGB youth helps explain the links between religious and gay-related stressors and mental health. As LGB youth may have limited control over these stressors, the importance of helping LGB youth maintain a positive LGB identity, despite homonegative messages from others, is discussed.

“Put It Out There That You Are Willing To Talk About Anything”: The Role of School Counselors in Providing Support to gay and Bisexual Youth

This study examines how gay and bisexual adolescents identify and access support from their school counselor using a phenomenological inquiry approach. Gay and bisexual adolescents were interviewed regarding their experiences with their school counselors and reported that they believed school counselors should be supportive by virtue of their title. Participants used various methods to determine if their school counselor was supportive including ascertaining political beliefs, relying on the past history of the school counselor-student relationship, observing supportive symbols in school counseling offices, and relying on knowledge gained from other students. Students reported that school counselors are most helpful when they simply listen to students’ concerns and state directly that they are willing to discuss LGBT issues. Barriers to accessing support from school counselors included student concerns regarding confidentiality and fears of being judged or treated differently by their school counselor. The article also discusses study strengths and limitations.

“Put it Out There That you are Willing to Talk About Anything”: The Role of School Counselors in Providing Support to Gay and Bisexual Youth

This study examines how gay and bisexual adolescents identify and access support from their school counselor using a phenomenological inquiry approach. Gay and bisexual adolescents were interviewed regarding their experiences with their school counselors and reported that they believed school counselors should be supportive by virtue of their title. Participants used various methods to determine if their school counselor was supportive including ascertaining political beliefs, relying on the past history of the school counselor-student relationship, observing supportive symbols in school counseling offices, and relying on knowledge gained from other students. Students reported that school counselors are most helpful when they simply listen to students’ concerns and state directly that they are willing to discuss LGBT issues. Barriers to accessing support from school counselors included student concerns regarding confidentiality and fears of being judged or treated differently by their school counselor. Th...

Technology Hurts? Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth Perspectives of Technology and Cyberbullying

The present qualitative study explored the perceptions of this group of adolescents regarding what technology they use, what they view as constructive uses of technology, and their perceptions of cyberbullying and cybervictimization. A total of 18 lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents participated in semistructured interviews. Many of the participants indicated that they use texting and social networking forms of technology, while few reported engaging with gaming technology. Results indicated technology provided support for this sample of LGB youth who might otherwise feel more isolated and/or depressed in relation to their heterosexually identified peers. In addition, this sample reported sexual orientation and revenge as reasons why students were targets of cyberbullying. These findings were consistent with prior research with non-LGB samples. Grounded in moral disengagement theory, the findings and implications of this study were interpreted within the context of prior research on technology use as well as the literature on bullying and cyberbullying.

Attachment-based family therapy for suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: A treatment development study and open trial with preliminary findings.

The objective of this paper is to adapt attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) for use with suicidal lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents and to obtain preliminary data on the feasibility and efficacy of the treatment with this population. In Phase I, a treatment development team modified ABFT to meet the unique needs of LGB suicidal youth. In Phase II, 10 suicidal LGB youth were offered 12 weeks of LGB sensitive ABFT. Adolescents' report of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment-related anxiety and avoidance were gathered at pretreatment, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (posttreatment). In Phase I, the treatment was adapted to: (a) include more individual time working with parents in order to process their disappointments, pain, anger, and fears related to their adolescent's minority sexual orientation; (b) address the meaning, implications, and process of acceptance; and (c) heighten parents' awareness of subtle yet potent invalidating responses to their adolescents' sexual orientation. Results of Phase II suggest this population can be recruited and successfully treated with a family based therapy, evidenced by high levels of treatment retention and significant decreases in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and maternal attachment-related anxiety and avoidance. This is the first family-based treatment adapted and tested specifically for suicidal LGB adolescents. Though promising, the results are preliminary and more research on larger samples is warranted.