Promoting positive development of LGBT youth
Research ReportAPA Citation:
Chrisler, A., Smischney, T. M., & Villarruel, F. A. (2014). Promoting positive development of LGBT youth. Research Brief prepared for the U.S. Department of Defense, January, 2014. Retrieved from: www.MilitaryREACH.org
Abstract Created by REACH:
Research on child development shows that children’s sexual identity generally develops during early adolescence. Generally, by age 10 or 11, youth are aware of their lesbian, gay, or bisexual sexual orientation5. For transgender youth, however, the age at which they recognize that their gender identity does not match their biological sex has not been empirically established23. Research indicates that in the United States, approximately 5 to 10% of youth openly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT)3. These youth tend to “come out” on average at about 16 years old20; however, recent studies report that youth are coming out at younger ages than ever before23. In this brief, we will review the research on the psychosocial outcomes that are associated with identifying as an LGBT young person, and identify factors that place LGBT youth at greater risk or provide protection against these psychosocial outcomes. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice will also be discussed.
Focus:
Youth
Mental health
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Chrisler, Alison, Smischney, Tegan Marie, Villarruel, Francisco A., Borden, Lynne M., Casper, Deborah M., Hawkey, Kyle R., Hawkins, Stacy, Koch, Bryna, Wittcoff Kuhl, Michelle
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
The University of Minnesota Center for Research and Outreach
Publication Type:
REACH Publication
Keywords:
psychosocial outcomes, LGBT youth, sexual identity
Location:
University of Minnesota
REACH Publication Type:
Research Report
Sponsors:
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense’s Office of Family Policy, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture under The University of Minnesota Award No. 2013-48710-21515 and The University of Arizona Award No. 2009-48667-05833.