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Online social support as a buffer against online and offline peer and sexual victimization among U.S. LGBT and non-LGBT youth
Abstract
In today's technology-infused world, we need to better understand relationships youth form with friends online, how they compare to relationships formed in-person, and whether these online relationships confer protective benefits. This is particularly important from the perspective of peer victimization, given that social support in-person appears to reduce the odds of victimization in-person. To address this literature gap, data from a sample of 5,542 U.S. adolescents, collected online between August 2010 and January 2011, were analyzed. The main variables of interest were: online and in-person peer victimization (including generalized and bullying forms) and online and in-person sexual victimization (including generalized and sexual harassment forms). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth were more likely than non-LGBT youth to have online friends and to appraise these friends as better than their in-person friends at providing emotional support. Peer victimization and unwanted sexual experiences were more commonly reported by LGBT than non-LGBT youth. Perceived quality of social support, either online or in-person, did little to attenuate the relative odds of victimization for LGBT youth. For all youth, in-person social support was associated with reduced odds of bully victimization (online and in-person) and sexual harassment (in-person), but was unrelated to the other outcomes of interest. Online social support did not reduce the odds of any type of victimization assessed. Together, these findings suggest that online friends can be an important source of social support, particularly for LGBT youth. Nonetheless, in-person social support appears to be more protective against victimization, suggesting that one is not a replacement for the other.
... Additionally, transgender youth have been found to benefit from using social media to obtain social and emotional support from peers [41]. LGBT+ youth may also encounter greater concerns about personal safety in school or other public settings, which may make online connection more desirable [60]. These youth are also more likely than their non-LGBT+ peers to report that their friends online were better able to provide support than their friends in person [60]. ...
... LGBT+ youth may also encounter greater concerns about personal safety in school or other public settings, which may make online connection more desirable [60]. These youth are also more likely than their non-LGBT+ peers to report that their friends online were better able to provide support than their friends in person [60]. ...
... More specifically, greater use of Facebook and chat services was found to be associated with higher online social support among LGBT+ youth, whereas other platforms were not. As previously described, these types of platforms may support relationship building [78], which is a known priority for rural youth [12] as well as LGBT+ youth generally [41,60]. They also facilitate direct and private communication, which may be an important component of socialization, particularly among sexually-and gender-diverse youth who are at increased risk for harmful social interactions with peers [60]. ...
Background/Objectives: Social support is essential to development, mental and emotional health, and reducing risk for psychological distress. Youth are exposed to various opportunities for socialization with peers, including through social media. Strong online social networks may be most critical for youth from isolated communities, including those from rural areas or LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc.) youth. With this study, we investigated associations between social media use and online social support among adolescents. Additionally, we compared the online experiences of rural and urban youth. We also examined associations between online social support and psychological functioning and investigated whether the strength of these relationships was moderated by community type (rural versus urban). Finally, we evaluated the online experiences of LGBT+ youth. Methods: Two hundred seventy-five participants (ages 13–19) from seven high schools located in either rural or urban communities completed a paper and pencil survey on their mental health, social media use, and online social support. Results: Social media use was positively associated with online social support. Rural youth were found to report greater social media use and online social support compared to urban youth. Online social support was not associated with depression or anxiety; community type (rural versus urban) did not moderate the strength of these relationships. LGBT+ youth in rural communities reported greater social media use and support online compared to LGBT+ youth in urban communities. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the potential positive benefits of social media use as it is related to perceptions of social support among online friends. They demonstrate that interactions online may contribute to stronger support networks within adolescents, particularly among vulnerable youth. Findings suggest social media may increase accessibility to social support for youth who may be at risk for social isolation.
... Engagement in online communities for social support is associated with lower loneliness and depression and higher self-esteem, satisfaction with life, sense of community, and felt support (Oh et al., 2014;Shaw & Gant, 2002). LGBTQ youth are more likely than non-LGBTQ youth to have online friendships and value online friendships over offline friendships (Ybarra et al., 2015). ...
... A lack of social support is associated with poor mental health outcomes, while social support, specifically from family, peers, and communities of trans individuals, is important to resilience in trans populations (Alanko & Lund, 2020;Eisenberg et al., 2017). Because many trans youths do not live in supportive environments, many seek friendship and community online (Austin et al., 2020;Selkie et al., 2020;Steinke et al., 2017;Ybarra et al., 2015). While past research on LGBTQ youth has compared offline and online levels of social support and differences in support from family and friends, no study has investigated the experiences of family, offline friend, and online friend support in trans youth, specifically in a historical context where trans youth's belongingness needs are threatened by record levels of anti-trans legislation. ...
... First, this study investigates the relationship between support and adjustment across multiple contexts (family, offline friends, and online friends). While previous research has compared family vs. friend contexts (e.g., Milton & Knutson, 2023) and online vs. offline contexts (e.g., Ybarra et al., 2015), none has compared levels of support across all three contexts. This is especially unique, as this allows for comparisons of low and high levels of support across multiple contexts and how these interactions predict adjustment. ...
Background: Transgender youth are more likely than cisgender youth to encounter risk, such as a lack of social support from families and offline friends, leading many to turn to online friendships for social support. Feeling supported is crucial for psychological adjustment, measured in positive outcomes such as pride, self-esteem, and belongingness and in negative outcomes such as internalized transphobia, depression, and loneliness. Aims: Using the risk and resilience framework, this study explores the relationship between social support across social contexts (families, offline friends, and online friends) and psychological adjustment using hierarchical regression modeling in a sample of 335 binary and nonbinary transgender young adults. Results: Family and offline friend support had stronger associations with adjustment than online friend support, and online friend support moderated the relationship between family support and pride and the relationship between offline friend support and pride. A qualitative analysis of participants' experiences of being transgender online explored additional insights into how transgender young adults use the internet for support. The qualitative analyses contextualized the qualitative findings, showcasing the varied experiences of trans individuals online and the importance of offline support as a cornerstone for psychological adjustment. Conclusions: Social support from offline social contexts are more foundational and paramount to promoting positive psychological adjustment than online social support. Online engagement in trans young adults is individualized and offers a variety of supportive and unsupportive experiences.
... ICTs encompass Internet-enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices), as well as various other Internet-mediated platforms and contexts (e.g., social media). In 2022, half of US adolescents (46%; age [13][14][15][16][17] were online "almost constantly" and effectively all had access to mobile devices [1]. This use is comparable to other developed countries (e.g., Canada, United Kingdom) [3]. ...
... Cyberbullying has adverse impacts, including negative mental (e.g., depression, suicidality), behavioral (e.g., isolation), and academic (e.g., lower grade point average) outcomes [5]. Other studies have demonstrated similar findings regarding the prevalence and outcomes of cyberbullying for LGBTQ+ youth [9,14]. Research has indicated sexually diverse youth may also be more likely to perpetrate cyberbullying [9]. ...
... There are also indications of vulnerabilities for LGBTQ+ youth to other ICT-based issuesincluding online harassment, exploitation, overuse, and risk-taking behavior [14][15][16]. For example, a study of male LGBTQ+ adolescents (aged [14][15][16][17][18][19] found that "[c]ompulsive Internet use was positively and significantly associated with both loneliness and internalized homophobia." ...
Internet-enabled information and communication technologies (ICTs) pose simultaneous risks and opportunities for contemporary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise sexual and/or gender diverse (LGBTQ+) adolescents and young adults—a population who may be particularly active users of ICTs. This chapter provides a brief overview of LGBTQ+ youths’ lived experiences and barriers to care, followed by a review of extant knowledge regarding the ICT experiences of this population with a particular focus on the context of the United States. Significant gaps in knowledge regarding LGBTQ+ youths’ engagement with ICTs persist and proposed areas of inquiry for future research are provided. As ICTs continue to advance, sustained examination must be undertaken. Specifically, how current and emerging technologies impact LGBTQ+ youths’ lives, emphasizing heretofore under-researched subpopulations (e.g., transgender youth, ethnic and racial minorities). Knowledge translated informs multiple areas, including education, service provision, policy development, and expansion of technologies that consider LGBTQ+ youths’ unique needs. Specific recommendations for various stakeholder communities (e.g., educators, service providers, policy makers) are offered.
... As a result, the beneficial pathways linking PCC to health self-efficacy and ultimately to health outcomes may be significantly less pronounced or even absent. Following this rationale, sexual minority people who experienced difficulties (e.g., discrimination and stigmatization) in offline healthcare settings may find the internet to be a complementary avenue that facilitates health management and contributes to their mental health (Ybarra et al., 2015). This is because eHealth technologies provide a safe and anonymous space for sexual minority individuals seeking information and support, reducing barriers to accessing care (Cahill & Makadon, 2014). ...
... While sexual minority people often experience negative encounters in offline healthcare settings, the internet appears to be a complementary avenue for them to access health care services, feel in control of their health, and maintain good health ( E. Z. Kontos et al., 2007;Ybarra et al., 2015). Meiksin et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between eHealth and the mental health of sexual minority men. ...
... McInroy and Macapagal consider in their respective chapters, dating apps can offer a convenient way for more marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ adolescents [22], those with physical disabilities [23], or even those who are ashamed of their weight status [24] to find or communicate with existing romantic partners. For example, LGBTQ+ youth use dating apps and social media platforms to seek platonic friendships (in addition to romantic relationships) as a means of finding like-minded support [25]. It can be dangerous for LBGTQ+ adolescents and emerging adults to seek out sexual and romantic experiences in person; therefore, turning to dating apps or other online platforms that are curated by sexual identity can feel safer. ...
... Given that Internet pornography does depict various violent and aggressive sex acts, it may not be surprising that adolescents' use of pornography has been shown to be predictive of increases in sexual harassment [30], sexual aggression perpetration [30,31], and sexual violence victimization [32]. Adolescents also use online technology to perpetrate intimate partner violence through digital stalking and harassment [33], often resulting in anxiety and depression for the victim [25]. Despite adult discomfort with it, when sexting occurs between two consenting adolescents and the images are not shared outside of that exchange, the negative mental health impacts are mitigated [28]. ...
Sexual development is an integral part of adolescence, yet there are little efforts made (e.g., comprehensive sex education) to support adolescents in the development of sexual competencies. As a result, adolescents are sexually socialized through various media experiences, including more traditional (i.e., film and television) and newer forms (i.e., Internet pornography and social media) of media. The academic research summarized here examines how traditional and new media influence gender and sexuality development in children and adolescents. It highlights the prevalence of gender stereotypes in entertainment media and the impact of pornography on sexual attitudes and behaviors. Although sexual health websites provide a safer source of information, challenges remain in ensuring content quality and accessibility. Adolescents also use online platforms to navigate romantic relationships and sexual expression, with technology-facilitated communication and connection. However, issues such as sexting and dating app usage raise concerns about the privacy and safety of minor users. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive sex education in schools, inclusive of digital citizenship and responsible online behavior. Therapeutic and healthcare settings must also address the intersection of media, gender, and sexuality in adolescent mental health and provide support tailored to individual needs and experiences.
... Having family or friends who were willing to adapt to the needs of the LGBTQ2S+ person with cancer and fill needed roles in the participant's life was important, just as it was during their coming out. This aligns with the current literature as social support networks have demonstrated protective effects against discrimination in LGBTQ2S+ youth [22,23]. Moreover, research for a general breast cancer cohort showed that as social support declined, emotional wellbeing also declined [24]. ...
... Having family or friends who were willing to adapt to the needs of the LGBTQ2S+ person with cancer and fill needed roles in the participant's life was important, just as it was during their coming out. This aligns with the current literature as social support networks have demonstrated protective effects against discrimination in LGBTQ2S+ youth [22,23]. Moreover, research for a general breast cancer cohort showed that as social support declined, emotional well-being also declined [24]. ...
Simple Summary
The cancer journey is often characterized by significant physical and mental health challenges for people with cancer during and after treatment; LGBTQ2S+-identifying people with cancer may face additional issues surrounding their identity and discrimination in health care settings. However, there is limited research that explores the unique experiences of LGBTQ2S+ people with cancer. This study investigates the resilience of LGBTQ2S+-identifying people with cancer to understand how they experienced and coped with cancer. Most participants’ cancer journeys were characterized by a ‘Second Coming-Out’ phenomenon, where LGBTQ2S+ people with cancer use coping strategies, similar to those used when coming out, to produce resilience throughout their cancer journey. Identifying this phenomenon is critical to providing comprehensive care for LGBTQ2S+ people with cancer that draws on their unique strengths. We propose the LGBTQ2S+ Cancer Care Model where the individual is centered and the influences of personal support, professional support, and queer representation are integrated in an accessible and clinically relevant way.
Abstract
People with cancer may suffer negative psychosocial outcomes due to the challenges of cancer. LGBTQ2S+ people routinely experience negative psychosocial outcomes in health care settings, but have showcased resilience in the face of discrimination; however, this has never been studied in a cancer context. Thus, this study aims to assess coping and resilience in LGBTQ2S+-identifying people diagnosed with cancer using a strengths-based approach. A qualitative exploratory design was used. Ten self-identified LGBTQ2S+ people who have completed their cancer treatment were recruited. Participants completed clinical, health, and demographic questionnaires and, subsequently, semi-structured qualitative interviews. Conceptualizations of coping and resilience in the semi-structured interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Participants were members of various gender identities and sexual orientations. In addition to identifying needed LGBTQ2S+-specific resources, four narratives emerged: support networks, regaining control in life, conflicting identities, and traditional coping methods. Most participants’ cancer journeys were characterized by a ‘Second Coming-Out’ phenomenon, where LGBTQ2S+ people with cancer use coping strategies, similar to those used when coming out, to produce resilience throughout their cancer journey. This work provides exploratory insight into LGBTQ2S+ people with cancer, but more research is required with a larger sample.
... However, there is less research on how membership in specific social groups (e.g., online groups, racial and ethnic identity or sexual orientation groups, religious, professional, or political groups) might act as protective factors. Some researchers have found that online social networks are important for the emotional support of LGBT youth but do not serve to protect against sexual violence (Ybarra et al., 2015). Having friends who share an ethnic identity has also been shown to be important for youth in promoting academic achievement (Riegle-Crumb & Callahan, 2009). ...
... Another important network connection was for individuals who had a connection to an LGBTQ group which had the largest buffering association with harmful attitudes (RMA and hostile sexism) with a medium effect size. For individuals in the LGBTQ community, online friendships are a particularly important social of emotional support (Ybarra et al., 2015) and the results from the current study indicate that connections to an LGBTQ group serve as a protective factor for endorsing sexual-violence-related attitudes. In the model examining relationships between variables for men, workplace and family social connections provided the only buffering effect on sexual violence-related attitudes and generally these effect sizes were small. ...
Endorsing problematic sexual violence-related attitudes including rape myth acceptance (RMA), hostile sexism, and disapproval of sexual consent is associated with negative outcomes, including the perpetration of sexual violence. This study examined social connections as a protective factor for sexual violence-related attitudes among a sample of 770 participants. Results indicate that in the full sample, connections to a workplace were protective for RMA and hostile sexism while family connections were protective for disapproval of sexual consent, RMA, and hostile sexism. Patterns of other social connections differed in separate models for men and women. Unexpected findings indicating that connections to a religious social group are a risk, not a protective, factor are discussed.
... LGBTIQ+ youth are more susceptible to negative outcomes compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers. However, many LGBTIQ+ individuals lead well-adjusted lives when they endorse having access to social support Ybarra et al., 2015). ...
... While these measures are technically sound, nuanced culture-specific experiences are inherently missed. For instance, for social support, the CASSS does not assess support found online, which is where many LGBTIQ+ youth report seeking out and cultivating support networks (Ybarra et al., 2015). In addition, no constructs measure or address the critical experience of being affirmed and accepted that many LGBTIQ+ youth identify as the crux of what makes their support networks supportive . ...
... 2SLGBQ+ youth are often targeted by cyberbullying related to their sexual orientation, including being outed, which can expose young people to material danger. They are also more likely to experience sexual harassment online than their heterosexual peers (Kahle, 2020;Ybarra et al., 2015). 2SLGBQ+ youth are also at higher risk of online harassment from strangers (Finn, 2004) and through significantly more electronic sources(Myers et al., 2017). ...
Youth mental health is in crisis. Although the influence of social media on youth mental health has been under debate in the scientific community over the last several years, there is now a growing consensus that it is causing significant harms to many children and youth, demanding immediate action to address these effects. We outline the complex pathways of influence and how they are increasing health inequities in children and young people. We apply the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) framework to highlight the mechanisms of influence driving the crisis and offer solutions to address it. This approach places the focus on the business practices of critical actors in the tech industry that create health inequities while accumulating power and wealth. These business practices will have an impact on us all. Young people are the canary in the coal mine.
... In addition, the LGBTQ community regularly uses social media and the internet as a gateway to access information about sexual health, identity, etc., [38]. LGBTQ young people tend to perceive online spaces as safer than real life [39]. For this reason, they need to find access to quality content that will help them with their health [40]. ...
Background/Objectives: This article highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of LGBTQ people, specifically through psychoeducation/intervention programs. The primary objective was to understand the effects of participating in an online affirmative program. The theoretical frameworks of the minority stress model and the concept of decompensation were used to understand and address disparities with the general population. Methods: A detailed protocol was designed to understand the participants’ experiences. An analysis of the results was carried out using a content analysis of the data collected from a convenience sample of participants from two groups. Results: The findings show that the participants’ experiences were satisfactory, especially with developing coping skills and changing their attitudes towards homophobia, also showing improvements in mental health indicators. Conclusions: This study concludes that online LGBTQ-affirmative psychoeducation programs can be positive in enhancing the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ population. The research highlights the importance of extending these programs to LGBTQ family members. It is also important to acknowledge the specificities of each subgroup.
... Widely applied in studies on juvenile delinquency, DAT has also been increasingly explored in the context of cybercrime (Gunter, 2008;Higgins & Makin, 2004;Li et al., 2016;McCuddy, 2021;Zhou et al., 2024a). Research indicates that deviant peers can predict online victimization due to the interpersonal conflicts they often create (Guerra et al., 2022;Ybarra et al., 2015). DAT provides insights into cyberbullying overlap by highlighting behaviors common among youths in deviant groups. ...
The prevalence of cyberbullying among youths has garnered increasing attention, yet the offending-victimization overlap in this domain remains underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. Employing both traditional and innovative methodological approaches, this study addresses this gap by integrating the theoretical frameworks of social bonds theory (SBT), the general theory of crime (GTC), differential association theory (DAT), and lifestyle-routine activity theory (LRAT), alongside a gendered perspective. Drawing on a sample of 8797 Chinese college students, this research mainly utilizes multinomial logistic regression and heteroskedasticity-consistent standard error (HCSE) estimators to systematically analyze the correlates of cyberbullying overlap. The results indicate that weaker social bonds, low self-control, frequent associations with deviant peers, and engagement in high-risk lifestyles are significant predictors of cyberbullying overlap across both methodological approaches. Furthermore, gender differences moderate the relationships between theoretical constructs and cyberbullying overlap, underscoring the importance of gender-sensitive policy interventions. This study advances the theoretical understanding and methodological assessment of cyberbullying overlap, offering critical insights for interventions tailored to the specific risks and sociocultural contexts faced by youths.
... Online interaction is considered both the cause and the solution to isolation. While social networks can act as proxies for social interaction (e.g., by finding peer support for marginalised groups (Ybarra et al., 2015)), loneliness presents a more complex perspective. For example, in spite of the connectedness brought about by this technology, the number of teenagers who self-reported loneliness went, on average, from 17% in 2012 to 31% in 2018 (n=1,049,784) (Twenge et al., 2021). ...
Loneliness, or the lack of fulfilling relationships, significantly impacts a person's mental and physical well-being and is prevalent worldwide. Previous research suggests that large language models (LLMs) may help mitigate loneliness. However, we argue that the use of widespread LLMs like ChatGPT is more prevalent--and riskier, as they are not designed for this purpose. To explore this, we analysed user interactions with ChatGPT, particularly those outside of its marketed use as task-oriented assistant. In dialogues classified as lonely, users frequently (37%) sought advice or validation, and received good engagement. However, ChatGPT failed in sensitive scenarios, like responding appropriately to suicidal ideation or trauma. We also observed a 35% higher incidence of toxic content, with women being 22 times more likely to be targeted than men. Our findings underscore ethical and legal questions about this technology, and note risks like radicalisation or further isolation. We conclude with recommendations for research and industry to address loneliness.
... LGB+ individuals may perceive online contexts, such as social media, as safer spaces for exploring a wide range of sexual and relational experiences. Previous studies have shown that LGB+ people tend to have more online friends than their heterosexual counterparts (Ybarra et al., 2015) and use the Internet to compensate for perceived restrictions in offline resources and relationships . ...
Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is characterized by an intense desire to continually stay connected with others and is strictly linked to motivational factors implicated in social interactions, particularly through online communication. FoMO represents a risk factor for problematic use of communication through social media platforms. Only a few studies have explored the relationship between FoMO and sexting. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between FoMO and three motivations for sexting (i.e., sexual purpose, body image reinforcement, and instrumental/aggravated reasons), while also examining the moderating effects of age, gender, and sexual orientation. The study involved 911 Italian heterosexual and LGB+ young adults aged 18–30 years ( M = 22.3; SD = 2.57; 74% women; 70.4% heterosexual). The findings reveal that FoMO predicts sexting across all its motivational components. No significant differences emerged between men and women in their levels of engagement in sexting for sexual purposes. However, women were more likely to engage in sexting for body image reinforcement compared to men. Conversely, men demonstrated a higher likelihood of sexting for instrumental/aggravated reasons than women. LGB+ people, compared to heterosexuals, demonstrated a higher propensity for engaging in sexting for sexual purposes, body image reinforcement, and instrumental/aggravated reasons. FoMO emerged as a strong predictor of sexting for body image reinforcement and instrumental/aggravated reasons, especially for LGB+ people. This study identifies FoMO as a predictor of sexting motivations, particularly among women and LGB+ individuals, who may seek validation or connection online. Preventive interventions are needed to foster autonomy, enhance body self-esteem, and promote mutual respect in online interactions, especially for people embodying marginalized identities.
... This finding is consistent with the literature [27,28,30]. In terms of the lack of social and civic norms, they become predictors of the phenomenon that manifests itself in a school environment where not all children are treated equally; discrimination is indeed an important risk factor for sexually connoted behaviors [55,56]. Women and the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be victims of online sexual harassment, and online sexual harassment has a gender bias, so girls are more likely to be victims than boys [22]. ...
Background: The daily and massive use of the Internet and social media by adolescents has led to increased interest and attention to prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential consequences of different forms of online victimization. This study aims to examine the possible associations between cybervictimization and online sexual harassment among 697 Italian adolescents (Mage = 15.17; SD = 0.68; 42.3% female), understanding the contribution of individual and school risk factors. Methods: A short longitudinal design was used to test a path model where emotional/behavioral problems and school climate predicted cybervictimization and online sexual harassment, controlling for their co-occurrence. Results: The results show similar prevalence among the two phenomena with a consistent reciprocal association (ρs = 0.426**). Regarding predictors, cybervictimization at Wave 5 is predicted by the problematic peer relationships with peers (β = 0.164*, SE = 0.068) and lack of school cohesion (β = −0.189*, SE = 0.086) assessed at Wave 4. In contrast, online sexual harassment at Wave 5 is predicted by the presence of emotional symptoms (β = 0.248***, SE = 0.077) and the absence of social norms (β = −0.254**, SE = 0.085) measured at Wave 4. Conclusion: Online sexual harassment and cybervictimization are related phenomena with a co-occurrence of around 22%; being a victim of cybervictimization is positively associated with being a victim of OSH-P. However, risk factors are different: cybervictimization is more easily explained by social and contextual factors, while online sexual harassment is explained by individual factors.
... In addition, problematic Internet use may increase sleep disturbance (Guo et al., 2018) and decrease quality of life (Huang et al., 2020), leading to an increase in the risk of suicide. Although LGB individuals may use the Internet to confirm their sexual identity (Zhang et al., 2022), connect with others in LGB communities (Berger et al., 2022;Ybarra et al., 2015) and find sexual partners (Ko et al., 2016), problematic Internet use can limit their opportunities for real-world interactions and their access to sources of support, thereby potentially increasing their risk of suicide. The findings of the present study indicate that intervention programmes that treat problematic Internet use may reduce the risk of suicide among LGB individuals. ...
Aims
The aim of this 4-year follow-up study was to examine the predictive effects of demographics, three types of sexual stigma, three types of self-identity confusion, anxiety, depression, family support and problematic Internet use before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on new-onset suicide risk and persistent suicide risk in young adult lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan.
Methods
Baseline data were collected from 1,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in 2018 and 2019. Outcome data on suicide risk were collected again in 2023. The suicide module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess suicide risk in terms of thoughts of death, desire to self-harm, thoughts of suicide, plans for suicide and suicide attempts in the preceding month at the initial and follow-up assessments. Baseline three types of sexual stigma, self-identity disturbance, depression, anxiety and problematic Internet use were used to examine their prediction of new-onset suicide risk and persistent suicide risk at follow-up.
Results
In total, 673 individuals participated in the follow-up survey. Notably, 16.5% of the participants who had no suicide risk at baseline had new-onset suicide risk at follow-up; 46.4% of the participants who had suicide risk at baseline also had suicide risk at follow-up. Participants who were transgender ( p = .003), who perceived greater levels of microaggression ( p < .001), and who had greater levels of problematic Internet use at baseline ( p = .024) were more likely to have new-onset suicide risk at follow-up. Participants who had greater levels of self-identity confusion were more likely to have persistent suicide risk at follow-up ( p = .023).
Conclusion
Intervention strategies for reducing suicide risk in lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals should be developed with consideration of the predictors identified in this study.
... We also find that online social support and disclosure of personal information are important predictors of OSV among female adolescents. Regarding online social support, previous research suggested that such support does not effectively reduce the likelihood of various forms of online victimization, including cyberbullying and sexual harassment, among the youth; instead, offline social support attenuated the risk (Ybarra et al., 2015). This research, however, did not explore if online social support could act as a risk factor. ...
Few studies have yet to explore what factors most likely contribute to OSV among female adolescents when all possible levels of factors are included in one model. Using machine learning algorithms, we investigate which factors are relatively more important predictors of OSV. We conducted and collected surveys and crawled data from social media (Twitter and Instagram) in 2020, and 472 female adolescents participated in the study (mean = 16.7 years old). Information about demographic characteristics, online behaviors and experiences, offline victimization, and psychological characteristics was collected. We employ several machine learning algorithms as an exploratory analysis to identify the top ten most important predictors of OSV among 51 variables. Results show that offline victimization (offline sexual victimization and ACEs), online behaviors and experiences (negative experiences on social media, talking with someone met online, disclosure of personal information, online social support, and number of negative comments), and psychological factors (social assurance and social connectedness) are found to be important predictors of OSV. These findings suggest that using machine learning algorithms to identify the most important predictors of OSV will provide an opportunity to understand the complex phenomenon of OSV among female adolescents.
... Cyberbullying differs from the previous types of bullying, among other reasons, due to the characteristics of cyberspace: there are no guardians to help minors defend themselves against the attacks received, the capacity to disseminate harmful content is almost unlimited, and the possibility of deleting and completely forgetting it is very limited [25]. Several studies have shown that many more LGBT students end up being victims of cyberbullying compared to their non-LGBT peers (see, e.g., [26]). ...
Recent studies suggest that traditional bullying, cyberbullying, and homophobic bullying lead to a low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents. The present study aims to analyze this, paying particular attention to homophobic bullying, based on the sexual orientation of 815 adolescents who were asked to fill in a self-report questionnaire. In heterosexuals, both homophobic victimization and victimization were inversely related to different dimensions of HRQoL (moods and emotions, and school environment, respectively). In adolescents who were uncertain about their sexual orientation, there were inverse relationships between homophobic victimization and mood and social acceptance, and there was also a positive relationship between homophobic aggression and physical well-being. In homosexuals and bisexuals, homophobic victimization was inversely related to social acceptance, economic resources, and autonomy, while homophobic aggression was not related to HRQoL. The results obtained offer new insights, thanks to the use of a specific and validated instrument to record homophobic bullying that covers both homophobic victimization and homophobic aggression. In addition, the need to intervene in a holistic manner, involving political and social agents, as well as all actors implicated in the school environment, is discussed with a view to protecting adolescent health and promoting inclusive education.
... A total of 44 undergraduate students from different faculties in UiTM Negeri Sembilan participated in this pilot study. A pilot study is crucial because it improves the precision of the study instrument (Ybarra et al., 2015). It involves gathering data from a smaller sample that is consistent with the primary data collection activity (Hassan, Schattner, & Mazza, 2006). ...
The development of the Internet shifted people's attention away from traditional media and towards new media. People utilize an abundance of social media platforms to remain informed about news, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (previously known as Twitter), and others. However, modern technology allows users to look for information on economic, political, and entertainment issues. Thousands of bytes of data were released worldwide to inform and draw attention. Youth's perceptions of the media usage's credibility were being questioned as a result of the unchecked news spreading through the social media platform. Hence, this study was conducted quantitatively and data were collected via an online survey consisting of 80 questions and were analyzed using SPSS. A total number of 44 undergraduate students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan was selected as a sample for this pilot study. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was also conducted to assess the number of constructs or factors involved, as well as item quality, item loading factors, and construct validity. The result shows that the items involved in measuring the variable were reliable and normally distributed. The reliability test reveals that the internal consistency is considered excellent except for two factors (Cronbach’s alpha = .70), which is considered good.
... These findings are consistent with prior research that found social media use to be a prominent coping strategy for LGBTQA+ youth to connect with and access resources from affirming community members (Chang et al., 2024). However, these online resources, particularly regarding mental health difficulties, may not be evidence-based and may expose LGBTQA+ young people to misinformation, as well as experiences of sexuality-and genderbased harassment and victimization (Ybarra et al., 2015). This highlights the need for inclusive, easily accessible, and evidence-based mental health information to be available to all young people and those who support them. ...
... While many individuals may prefer to identify themselves otherwise (i.e., Latino/Latina, Latine, Hispanic, or country of origin) [7], the term Latinx has become popular in research and academia in the interest of having a genderinclusive term for individuals of Latin American descent [8,9]. The phrase sexual minority has commonly been conceptualized with regard to sexual behavior, identity, and romantic attraction [10]. In research as well as in practice, sexual minority individuals often describe a person whose sexual orientation, identity, or both may be nonconforming with binary and heterogenous cultural norms [11]. ...
Purpose of Review
Latinx sexual minority women (LSMW) remain a greatly understudied population, likely due to the intersectional invisibility they face from living at the intersection of racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Little is known regarding the unique risk and protective factors associated with substance use among LSMW. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and summarize the scientific literature on substance use among LSMW and suggest avenues for further research. The review involved three study members searching four widely used search engines (i.e., Google Scholar, EBSCO, ERIC, and PubMed) using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) method. We extracted data regarding study design, analytic methods, sample (population, participant ethnicity sample size, age, and substance use eligibility), protective/risk factors assessed, and study outcomes.
Recent Findings
The scoping review findings showed that only 13 of the 142 manuscripts that we screened met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Most of the manuscripts focused on assessing the substance use disparities among LSMW, due to their sexual minority status. Only three studies in this review assessed risk (acculturation, discrimination, and spirituality) and none assessed protective factors of LSMW substance use.
Summary
Current research has begun to identify the substance use disparities that LSMW face. However, there has been very little focus on identifying the factors that help to explain substance use disparities. We call for a greater focus on multilevel risk and protective factors at the micro, meso, exo, and macrosystems. We believe these risk factors can be targeted and protective factors can be leveraged in multilevel treatments that could help eliminate LSMW substance use disparities. We provide potential avenues for future clinical intervention (e.g., socio-culturally adapted interventions).
... Moreover, the observed buffering effect of parental mediation resonated with prior research [28]. Social support has been shown to attenuate the adverse outcomes associated with various negative online and offline encounters among adolescents [44,45]. Parental mediation of technology serves as a form of social support, wherein parents impart effective strategies to navigate and evade online risks. ...
Background/Objectives: The primary objective of this research was to assess age differences in the associations between cyberbullying victimization and bystanding and depression among 234 elementary school students (4th and 5th graders; 51% female), 363 middle school students (6th to 8th grades; 53% female), and 341 high school students (9th to 12th grades; 51% female) as well as the moderating effect of parental mediation in these relationships. Methods: Participants completed self-report questionnaires on their cyberbullying victimization and bystanding, as well as depressive symptoms. Results: The findings revealed that high levels of instructive mediation buffered against depression associated with cyberbullying victimization and bystanding across all age groups, with the strongest effects found for middle school students. Lower levels of instructive mediation and higher levels of restrictive mediation increased the positive relationships between cyberbullying victimization and bystanding and depression. Co-viewing mediation did not moderate any of the associations. Conclusions: Parental mediation of technology use has the potential to alleviate the negative consequences associated with cyberbullying victimization and bystanding. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring prevention and intervention strategies to specific age groups and to parents.
... In Hong Kong, "confessional" social media pages have enabled users to ask questions, seek advice around sex from peers, and receive peer support (Yeo & Chu, 2017). Social support, in turn, may indirectly reduce the risk of sexual violence victimization (Ybarra et al., 2015). In recent years, social media has been used strategically to disclose experiences of sexual violence and to provide social support to survivors (Alaggia & Wang, 2020), though some studies find that survivors of sexual violence do not reap the same benefits of public sharing of experiences as much as individuals who experienced less stigmatized trauma, such as a natural disaster (Delker et al., 2020). ...
Growing access to technology and media has presented new avenues of influence on youth attitudes and norms regarding sexuality and sexual violence, as well as new technological pathways through which to perpetrate sexual violence. The aim of this research was to understand contextual influences on and needs for scale-up of sexual violence prevention programming in the media-violence context of Vietnam. We conducted 45 interviews with high school teachers (n = 15), university lecturers (n = 15), and affiliates from youth-focused community service organizations (n = 15) from across Vietnam. Additionally, we conducted four sector-specific focus groups with a sub-sample of interview participants (k = 4, n = 22). Media and technology were brought up consistently in relation to sexual violence prevention and sexual health information. Key informants noted that, in Vietnam, generational differences in acceptability of sex and lack of comprehensive sexuality education intersect with new technological opportunities for exposure to sexual information and media. This creates a complex landscape that can promote sexual violence through priming processes, instigate mimicry of violent media, and presents new opportunities for the perpetration of sexual violence though technology. Development of comprehensive sexual education, including violence prevention education, is imperative, with consideration of age-specific needs for Vietnamese youth.
... A vast body of research has highlighted the importance of digital support groups in providing mutual aid and assistance in other stressful contexts, such as for individuals going through chronic or life-threatening illness [1,40,75], or those facing situations that can be perceived as socially or emotionally stigmatising in some parts of the society (e.g., mental health difficulties [79,83], pregnancy loss [5], menopause [80], abuse [7], or sexual preferences [144]), where careful management of online identity is required (cf., [8,13]). ...
Early parenting is one of the strongest predictors of child well-being. Online social communities have shown promise in supporting parents across a range of contexts. However, we only have a limited understanding of how posters and commenters interact within a forum, or how well commenter responses can support complex parenting questions, such as attempts to change a child's behaviour or to apply new parenting approaches. We start addressing this gap by combining an empirical analysis of 1 year of parent posts from an exemplar online forum (Mumsnet) with literature on parenting interventions from psychology. In particular, we examine the types of question parents of 2-5 year olds seek help for around their children's behaviour, and the challenges with the support that they do (or do not) receive from the Mumsnet community. Combining empirical and theory-driven insights, we outline an 'information-to-application' gap that conceptually underpins the difficulties observed, and suggest plausible research directions that could address such design problems.
... More work should probe nuances like how anonymity in gay online groups might alleviate vs exacerbate psychological distress over closeted status offline. Researchers also recommend designing culturally tailored mental health services for LGBTQ+ populations leveraging digital platforms and peer support components [30]. However, truly addressing these knowledge gaps will require not only improving research, but creating sociopolitical climates where Chinese gay mental health is valued rather than stigmatized. ...
This literature review synthesizes research on the experiences of Chinese gay men in online spaces. Social media provides opportunities for marginalized sexuality exploration and selective disclosure, allowing connection with hidden peers despite conservative cultural norms. However, substantial identity tensions persist between liberatory potential online and enduring offline constraints like family pressures, stigma, and censorship. Key themes examined include online identity construction under cultural influences, sequencing from anonymous to identifiable disclosure, struggles for empowering representation, and risks around involuntary outing that temper mental health benefits of online support. While virtual platforms expand Expression, full integration with real-world contexts remains challenging. Enduring harassment and victimization, amplified by state suppression of LGBTQ+ content, exacerbate psychological distress. Studies emphasize the need for aligned technological, cultural, and legal advances to translate online safe havens into greater wellbeing for this vulnerable population. Overall, this review highlights the complex interplay of opportunities and threats as Chinese gay men navigate old and new media to develop holistic identities between familial duties and sexual desires, social constraints and hopes for greater openness. Progress requires addressing biases and stigma pervading both online and offline spheres.
... For example, one study conducted with LGBT youth found that they were more likely than non-LGBT youth to have online friends and appraise their online friends are more emotionally supportive than in person friends. The authors suggest that the virtual community served as a pivotal source of socials support for LGBT youth (Ybarra et al., 2015). It could be that our measure of social support was not able to fully capture the experiences of social support for LSMM in our study. ...
The National Institute for Health has designated racial/ethnic minorities and sexual and gender minorities as health disparities populations. Researchers have historically examined these identity groups independently and failed to account for membership in both racial/ethnic and sexual and gender minority groups. As such, Latinx sexual minority populations continue to be understudied in the psychological literature. The minority stress psychological mediation framework (PMF) has been proposed as a model to understand the experiences of sexual minority people. The PMF purports that experiencing discrimination affects three psychological processes (i.e., affective/coping, cognitive, and social support processes) that are linked to mental health. The current study empirically examines the PMF with a sample of predominantly cisgender and bisexual Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM; n = 357) recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. This cross-sectional study examined descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and utilizes structural equation model to test the model fit of the PMF. We found that only affective and cognitive processes emerged as mediators in the relationship between recent experiences of minority stress to psychological distress. The current study highlights critical points of intervention for LSMM. It also provides evidence for the need to further test the applicability of PMF with LSMM and to incorporate more culturally salient variables.
... While family is an integral component of LGBTQ+ youth's experiences of disclosing and understanding their identities, existing research pays less attention to the role of peers. A study of over 5000 teens revealed that sexual minority adolescents believed that their online friends were more supportive than their in-person friends [26]. Sexual minorities have demonstrated resiliency when using social media to explore their sexual identity, which can support their mental health [27]. ...
We examined online and offline social supports for sexual minority adolescents, underscoring the understudied developmental period of early adolescence and the mental outcome of loneliness. Stemming from a larger study in the northeast U.S., 967 youth participants were 26% sexual minority, 53% female, 45% male, and 2% other/nonbinary (mean age = 13.1, SD = 1.52). LGBTQ+ youth reported significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to their heterosexual counterparts. To understand potential sources of social support while exploring their sexual identities, we compared the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth at both ends of the loneliness spectrum. Gaining knowledge about their sexual orientation from LGBTQ+ organization websites, participating in gender–sexuality alliances, and using TikTok or Instagram were associated with lower levels of loneliness. Providing social support to online friends was associated with lower loneliness; however, receiving online support was not associated with lower loneliness. Furthermore, proactive social media engagement such as posting uplifting content, joining online communities, or raising awareness about social issues were associated with lower levels of loneliness. The results provide guidance on specific youth behaviors and online communities beyond a focus on screen time while highlighting the continued need for social support to ameliorate loneliness, such as gender–sexuality alliance networks.
... Examining the role of cues in online support has yielded mixed results. Some studies have found that online contexts improve social support because they are effective at enhancing individual's affective well-being without the accompanying face threat inherent in many FTF interactions (e.g., Liu & Yu, 2013;Ybarra et al. 2015). Scholars have also claimed that fewer cues will improve support. ...
Doctoral Dissertation 2023: Support in the context of human-machine communication (SHMC) is the human use of machine agents in largely informal ways to intentionally seek or receive resources to buffer stress. However, researchers traditionally consider supportive communication as an interpersonal exchange between humans. In contrast, some recent research contends that machine agents pose a viable option to aid loneliness and depression and address human social support needs. I refer to these frameworks as the impairment and improvement perspectives, respectively. Whereas the impairment perspective suggests that machine agents will negatively influence support, the improvement perspective asserts their influence will be positive. Because previous research in both support and HMC suggest competing predictions for how machines will affect processes of supportive communication, this project seeks to synthesize and build upon understandings of how perceptions of machines influence processes and outcomes of supportive interactions by examining the role of seeking and processing supportive messages between humans and robot conversational partners.
In a 2X2 (human and chatbot support partners using high or low person-centered messages) between-groups experimental design, I found that participants were more likely to seek emotional support from the chatbot than they were from human partners and were also more likely to report direct support seeking behaviors with the chatbot rather than the human partners. I then found that participants reported no significant differences in perceptions of uncertainty or social presence from the chatbot than with humans, but reported lower levels of liking for the chatbot. These impressions, however, did not contribute to indirect effects between provider status and support seeking strategy (direct or indirect). I finally explored the role of verbal person-centeredness (VPC, Burleson, 1987) and how people perceive machine agents on several
interpersonal and supportive communication outcomes. Consistent with previous research, a direct effect was found for message strategy such that high person-centered messages were evaluated ore highly than low person-centered messages on all dependent support evaluation and outcome variables. Additionally, an interaction effect was found between bots and humans using low and high person-centered messages. Results extend the literature on support seeking, provision, and the quality of these processes in the context of HMC.
... Como tiende a ocurrir con las diversas formas que adquiere la violencia interpersonal, la victimización de la juventud LGTBI+ ocurre frecuentemente en entornos íntimos por parte de personas conocidas del entorno de las víctimas (Moran, 2018;Pickles, 2021). En este sentido, la discriminación experimentada por la juventud LGTBI+ se ha relacionado estrechamente con problemas de autoaceptación y aumento de del riesgo de suicidio (Adelson et al., 2016;Pickles, 2021;Prairie et al., 2022) y con bullying (Ybarra et al., 2015). El bullying mina el bienestar psicológico, físico de los jóvenes LGTBI+, y sus consecuencias negativas son múltiples, pues se ha asociado en diversos estudios con un aumento del consumo de drogas como alcohol, tabaco y marihuana, así como con una mayor prevalencia de sintomatología depresiva, ideaciones suicidas y problemas de salud como dolores de cabeza o problemas de apetito y de sueño en comparación con población de jóvenes heterosexuales y cisgénero (Earnshaw et al., 2016). ...
Las personas pertenecientes al colectivo LGTBI+ se encuentran en mayor riesgo de sufrir discriminación resultante en delitos e incidentes de odio en comparación con las personas no identificadas como LGTBI+. Los datos oficiales indican que los incidentes y delitos de odio hacia este colectivo constituyen una realidad persistente. La victimización por delitos de odio se ha asociado a consecuencias psicológicas adversas como ideación suicida, síntomas de estrés postraumático y abuso de sustancias, entre otros. Esta revisión narrativa pretende acercarse a esta realidad explorando las principales consecuencias psicosociales y relevancia social de los delitos e incidentes de odio hacia este colectivo. La evidencia sugiere que estos eventos tienen un impacto único en la salud mental de las víctimas que difiere de las consecuencias de los incidentes y/o delitos no motivados por prejuicio.
... Participants rated support from family (e.g., "My family really tries to help me") and peers (e.g., "I can talk about my problems with my friends") on a scale from 1 (very strongly disagree) to 7 (very strongly agree). Separate MSPSS subscales have been found to independently predict distinct psychosocial outcomes among sexual-minority adolescents (McConnell et al., 2015;Wise et al., 2019;Ybarra et al., 2015), thus we analyzed the total score for the four-item family and fouritem peer subscales separately and did not include the third subscale ("special person") in analyses. The MSPSS subscales displayed strong internal consistency in the study sample (family: α = .95; ...
Sexual-minority adolescents frequently endure peer rejection, yet scant research has investigated sexual-orientation differences in behavioral and neural reactions to peer rejection and acceptance. In a community sample of adolescents approximately 15 years old (47.2% female; same-sex attracted: n = 36, exclusively other-sex attracted: n = 310), we examined associations among sexual orientation and behavioral and neural reactivity to peer feedback and the moderating role of family support. Participants completed a social-interaction task while electroencephalogram data were recorded in which they voted to accept/reject peers and, in turn, received peer acceptance/rejection feedback. Compared with heterosexual adolescents, sexual-minority adolescents engaged in more behavioral efforts to ingratiate after peer rejection and demonstrated more blunted neural reactivity to peer acceptance at low, but not medium or high, levels of family support. By using a simulated real-world social-interaction task, these results demonstrate that sexual-minority adolescents display distinct behavioral and neural reactions to peer acceptance and rejection.
... Persahabatan online ini juga mampu memberikan remaja dukungan dari para teman sebayanya yang mungkin memiliki kondisinya yang sama dengan mereka. Dukungan online ini menjadi kekuatan mereka untuk bertahan dan mengurangi ide bunuh diri yang mungkin remaja miliki (Ybarra et al., 2015). Selain persahabatan online juga ada faktor protektif aspek akademik/ eksternal diri remaja. ...
Bunuh diri menjadi salah satu isu kesehatan mental pada remaja. Faktor pendorong bunuh diri berasal dari adanya ide bunuh diri. Faktor protektif dapat menjadi hal yang dapat mencegah munculnya ide bunuh diri pada remaja. Beberapa penelitian telah menghasilkan temuan faktor protektif ide bunuh diri remaja. Namun belum ada sintesis ilmiah mengenai faktor protektif tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktor protektif ide bunuh diri remaja. Metode penelitian menggunakan Systematic Literature Review (SLR) dengan alur PRISMA. Hasil terdapat 32 artikel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan menjadi objek kajian. Temuan penelitian faktor protektif ide bunuh diri remaja sebanyak 20 faktor protektif aspek pribadi/internal diri remaja, 17 faktor protektif aspek sosial/eksternal diri remaja, dan 1 faktor protektif aspek akademik/eksternal diri remaja. Kesimpulannya adalah kajian ini dapat menjadi landasan ilmiah untuk membuat kebijakan pencegahan bunuh diri remaja. Penelitian lanjutan menjadi kebutuhan berikutnya untuk merancang eksperimen intervensi yang dapat mengurangi ide bunuh diri remaja sesuai konteks lokalitas masing-masing daerah.
... Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that in societies with pronounced masculinity values, bullying may be more acceptable because it is commonly perceived as a necessary part of growth, particularly for boys (Smith et al., 2009). Young people belonging to specific groups, such as LGBTQ individuals, those who are overweight, and those with physical disabilities or emotional/behavioral challenges, consistently reported significantly higher levels of victimization compared to their peers (Blake et al., 2012;Eisenberg et al., 2015;Puhl et al., 2011;Ybarra et al., 2015). Similarly, in a gender-unequal society, bullying towards less powerful groups can be exacerbated . ...
... To date, no popular or widespread survivor-oriented tags have focused primarily on the experiences of non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid individuals. However, queer youth often seek social support online (Drushel, 2010;Ybarra et al., 2015) and may be more prone to using social media to garner resources (McConnell et al., 2017;McDonald, 2018). ...
Le présent essai s’intéresse à la relation complexe entre les personnes LGBTQ+et les institutions et services publics au Québec et au Canada, caractérisée par un manque de confiance et de compréhension mutuelle. Ce statut quo pouvant restreindre l’accès aux services pour les personnes LGBTQ+, l’essai cherche à explorer des pistes de solution où le design pourrait intervenir pour améliorer cette relation conflictuelle.
Pour ce faire, un historique législatif et social des réalités des personnes LGBTQ+ sera présenté afin de cerner les sources possibles des tensions qui truffent la relation entre les deux parties. Ensuite, des idéologies de design seront mises en parallèle avec des courants de pensée concernant les méthodes d’inclusion des personnes LGBTQ+ en société. En prenant en compte ces facteurs, l’essai aboutira en la présentation d’un concept de plateforme Web regroupant les prestataires de services s’affichant ouvertement comme alliés des personnes LGBTQ+.
The following chapter explores technology facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) among adolescents with a particular focus on its conceptualization, prevalence, impact, and coping strategies. Various forms of TFSV are discussed, including online sexual harassment (OSH), image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), sexual aggression and coercion (SAC), and harassment based on gender and sexuality (HBGS). The gendered nature of TFSV is highlighted, with girls being more vulnerable to victimization and boys more likely to perpetrate. It also analyzes the detrimental effects of TFSV on adolescents' mental health, well-being, social and academic functioning. Additionally, the chapter draws attention to the challenges of identifying and researching TFSV due to underreporting and the evolving nature of technology. It concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to address this pervasive and serious social phenomenon.
Sexual and gender minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgnder: LGBT) adults experience heightened social discrimination and minority stress throughout their lives because of their minority identities. LGBT older adults are particularly vulnerable to the impact of minority stress as they are more likely to live alone and to be estranged from their families of origin. To cope, many LGBT older adults have developed social networks that include chosen families and non‐biological relatives who care for one another as if they are family. The chosen family resilience strategy renegotiates what it means to do family and is worthy of theoretical examination. We apply the convoy model of social relations as an interdisciplinary framework for examining LGBT older adults' social networks and chosen families. We discuss points of convergence between the model and what is known about LGBT social networks, and we extend the model to account for chosen families and online social connections.
Background
Depression is a major public health concern for adolescents, who exhibit low rates of connection to care despite significant needs. Although barriers to help-seeking such as stigma are well documented, interventions to address stigma and to increase help-seeking behavior are insufficient. Dissemination of short videos in social media offer a promising approach, but designing effective stimuli requires better insight into adolescents’ perspectives of their own experiences, barriers, and possible interventions.
Methods
We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with adolescents recruited online via RecruitMe, a Columbia University clinical research registry, to explore their perceptions of depression stigma, barriers to care, the role of schools, and the role of brief video interventions. Thematic analysis guided our analytic approach.
Results
We developed a model consisting of three major domains: (1) Barriers to Help-Seeking, which depicts participants debating their locus of control, naming social, parental, and peer stigma, and acknowledging systemic barriers; (2) Importance of School Systems, in which participants elaborated on the role of schools filling unmet needs and the importance of being taken care of; and (3) Role of Social Media Videos, characterized by adolescents who are seeking legitimacy, finding cultural authenticity, and working towards creating an accessible blueprint for better mental healthcare.
Discussion
We provide insights into adolescents’ perceptions of help-seeking for depression and what nuances they would hope to see reflected in future interventions, most notably school-based interventions and peer social media videos. Our study offers a steppingstone towards the creation of brief, social contact-based video interventions focused on destigmatizing depression and promoting openness to treatment among adolescents.
Literature on predictors of youth crime is of special value to many fields. By examining the factors that predict youth offending behavior, this literature helps better understand appropriate prevention and intervention methods. These methods target specific predictive factors that increase the likelihood that youth offending behavior will initiate, persist, and/or escalate. Accordingly, this paper presents a review of literature on predictors of youth crime spanning over 80 years. Therein, this review starts by comparing two periods of literature: (research produced between 1940 and 2000) and (research produced between 2001 and 2024). These sections reveal a divide in major socio-political events and shifts to within standard approaches to research, and in doing so, these framings offer a more nuanced understanding of predictors of youth crime throughout the years. Following, this paper provides a critical discussion of theoretical gaps, unanswered research questions, variable re-considerations, and methodological shortcomings of this literature. This critical discussion yields that while research has been produced on a variety of predictors of youth crime, some cause-and-effect relationships, along with contextual relationships, and the role of modern technologies remain largely misunderstood.
Despite improvements in the awareness and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals, the LGBTQ+ community continues to experience discrimination, which can result in adverse health outcomes. In particular, LGBTQ+ youth have an increased risk of experiencing depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Societal stigma and rejection, bullying, and familial disapproval all contribute to these health disparities. In recognition of these inequities, an interprofessional team of biomedical faculty members, staff, and trainees from the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans developed the needs-assessment evaluation, the Gender and Sexual Minority Youth Outreach Survey (GSMYO) for high school students. Health science centers have access to resources and experienced personnel who can provide support and education to high school students, teachers, and administrative staff. However, it is important to first determine the high schools’ specific needs, attitudes towards LGBTQ+ acceptance, and their current resources. Faculty, staff, and trainees from the LSUHSC Science Youth Initiative (SYI) and the LSUHSC LGBTQ+ Organization, Tiger Pride, administered the short, anonymous survey to adolescents attending Southeast Louisiana high schools. English Language Learner (ELL) students received the survey in Spanish. Results from the GSMYO needs-assessment survey are presented. Other health science centers may adapt the presented survey to develop needs-based LGBTQ+ high school programs to address the educational and health inequities in their own communities, regardless of location or demographic region.
Online child sexual exploitation refers to the use of technology to sexually exploit or harm a person under age 18. In 2020, over 21.7 million reports of online child sexual enticement were filed with law enforcement, highlighting the alarming prevalence of this form of exploitation. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent in recent years due increased household internet access to the internet, the increased use of smartphones among children and teens, and the rapid expansion of new technological platforms such as live-streaming and gaming. Despite its risk and prevalence, this form of sexual abuse against children is largely underrepresented in the medical literature, with no formal screening or reporting guidelines for primary care physicians. This paper aims to define online child sexual exploitation, explore its health impacts, identify associated risk factors, and emphasize the pivotal role of primary care physicians in screening and counseling youth. By shedding light on this issue, we strive to address the critical need for safe-guarding the well-being of children and adolescents in an increasingly digital age.
North American rates of adolescent social media use hover between 98 and 100%, with 45% of adolescents reporting being online “almost constantly”. Despite its prevalence, social media use is also controversial. If social media is now woven into the fabric of social interactions, what are the mental health implications for youth growing up in “a digital age”? This paper discusses the potential applications of transdisciplinarity by considering the question in three ways: first, the polarized research is presented, suggesting that social media has the power to either positively or negatively direct youths’ social and psychological trajectories; second, the dichotomy is challenged; and third, transdisciplinary applications are considered. As a complex, novel, and nuanced topic, the study of social media, peer relationships, and mental health demands a paradigm that is able to accommodate complexity, nuance, and novelty in a critical, reflexive and meaningful way. Transdisciplinarity presents scholars an opportunity to tackle this challenge. This paper discusses the prevailing research surrounding social media, peer relationships, and mental health to challenge the good/bad binary and lay the foundation for approaching this topic from a transdisciplinary lens in future research.
This study aimed to assess differences between other-sex attracted and same- and both-sex attracted adolescents in profiles of peer and family social support, online contacts, and preferences for online communication. Data stem from the 2017 Dutch "Health and Behavior in School-Aged Children" (HBSC) survey (N = 6,823; 4.0% same- and both-sex attracted; M age=14.73, SD = 1.59, range = 12-18). We conducted latent profile analyses to estimate profiles in peer and family social support, online contacts, and preferences for online communication. Then we assessed the association between sexual attraction and profile membership. A five-profile solution fitted the data best. Profiles were characterized as high support, online contact, and average online communication preference (35.6%); high support, low online contact, and weak online communication preference (42.9%); average support, high online contact, and strong online communication preference (9.9%); low support, low online contact, and average online communication preference (6.9%); and low support, average online contact, and average online communication preference (5.0%). Same- and both-sex attracted adolescents had higher odds than other-sex attracted adolescents of being in the latter three profiles than in the first profile. Thus, same- and both-sex attracted adolescents were more likely to report average to low rates of peer and family social support, high to low frequency of online contact, and an average to strong preference for online communication than other-sex attracted adolescents. The average to low levels of support especially influenced these sexual orientation-based differences in profile membership.
In the past two decades, the pervasive influence of new media has significantly shaped the lives of today's youth, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and unique challenges. Social networking platforms offer daily avenues for connecting with peers, classmates, and like-minded individuals. Extensive research has started to uncover the impact of social media experiences on adolescents' mental well-being. While acknowledging their developmental benefits, it's imperative to recognize the potential risks associated with excessive social media engagement, particularly concerning the emotional health of young individuals. This research delves into the potential and challenges posed by social media platforms on the mental health of youths. However, as the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, further investigation is essential. Present studies often rely on self-reported data on adolescent media usage, limited to singular time points, thereby hindering definitive conclusions on whether media use directly influences mental health outcomes or vice versa. Future research should adopt more comprehensive approaches, such as direct observation of adolescents' social media activities, and move beyond traditional notions of mere "screen time." It's crucial to explore specific social media experiences and individual traits that render certain adolescents more susceptible to the positive or negative effects of social media.
This study aims to carry out a meta-synthesis on interventions to prevent and address self-injurious behavior among adolescent schoolchildren. A systematic review was carried out in five databases. Interventions were considered any actions carried out constantly to prevent or address self-injurious behavior among adolescents. Features and constructs of the interventions were analyzed according to the theoretical framework of the social concept ‘health-disease’ process. A total of 12 studies were selected, 9 aimed to describe or evaluate interventions specifically related to self-injurious behavior, 1 focused on suicide and 2 were related to mental health. The approaches were focused on the health problem and were focused on health problems and the approaches were structured under conventional care practices and disregarded the possibility of integrative and complementary interventions. The interventions were focused on approaches restricted to the problem (self-injury), on behavior modification, and the cognitive dimensions of individuals through the transmission of information.
The longitudinal relations between gay-related stress (i.e., gay-related stressful events, negative attitudes toward homosexuality, and discomfort with homosexuality) and emotional distress (i.e., anxious symptoms, depressive symptoms, and conduct problems) were examined at 3 assessment periods (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) among 140 gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youths. Although some findings were consistent with the hypothesis that stress would be associated with subsequent distress among GLB youths, the larger number of nonsignificant relations and the presence of relations between distress and subsequent gay-related stress indicate that the hypothesis was unsupported. The authors discuss the potential reasons for the lack of hypothesized relations and offer suggestions for future research.
The psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were investigated in 222 urban, largely African‐American adolescents (68%). High internal consistency was demonstrated, and factor analysis confirmed the three subscale structures of the MSPSS: family, friends, and significant other. Correlations with a family caring scale supported the discriminant validity of the Family subscale. These results confirm the reliability, validity, and utility of the MSPSS with an urban, largely African‐American adolescent sample. Implications of the findings are discussed.
In this article the author reviews research evidence on the prevalence of mental disorders in lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) and shows, using meta-analyses, that LGBs have a higher prevalence of mental disorders than heterosexuals. The author offers a conceptual framework for understanding this excess in prevalence of disorder in terms of minority stress— explaining that stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create a hostile and stressful social environment that causes mental health problems. The model describes stress processes, including the experience of prejudice events, expectations of rejection, hiding and concealing, internalized homophobia, and ameliorative coping processes. This conceptual framework is the basis for the review of research evidence, suggestions for future research directions, and exploration of public policy implications.
Past research documents that both adolescent gender nonconformity and the experience of school victimization are associated with high rates of negative psychosocial adjustment. Using data from the Family Acceptance Project’s young adult survey, we examined associations among retrospective reports of adolescent gender nonconformity and adolescent school victimization due to perceived or actual lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) status, along with current reports of life satisfaction and depression. The participants included 245 LGBT young adults ranging in age from 21 to 25 years. Using structural equation modeling, we found that victimization due to perceived or actual LGBT status fully mediates the association between adolescent gender nonconformity and young adult psychosocial adjustment (i.e., life satisfaction and depression). Implications are addressed, including specific strategies that schools can implement to provide safer environments for gender-nonconforming LGBT students.
Sexual minority youth are known to face increased risk of poor school performance; however, little research has focused on the educational experiences of multiethnic sexual minority youth (MSMY) in particular. Using venue-based sampling approaches, this study surveyed 255 MSMY at 15 urban high schools. The majority of participants identified as female (65%), Latina (58%), and bisexual (41%), with a mean age of 16. The use of structural equation modeling techniques found that 23% of the variance of school performance was explained by the multivariate model. Examination of the model path coefficients revealed that experiences of perceived discrimination had a powerfully negative influence on the school performance of MSMY. Whereas increased family support was associated with better school performance, neither peer nor school support had similar impact. In addition, levels of support did not significantly moderate the effect of perceived discrimination on MSMY
In the last few years, transgender and gender nonconforming people have become more visible in our society, which has sparked a marked increase in awareness, interest, and attention among psychologists. Questions have emerged about the extent to which psychologists are able to work competently with this population. This article presents a framework for understanding key clinical issues that psychologists who work with transgender and gender nonconforming individuals will likely encounter in their clinical work. This article does not address the knowledge and skills required to provide services related to gender transition, but rather to provide other psychological services that these clients may need, in light of the high levels of gender-related victimization and discrimination to which they are exposed. An adaptation of the Minority Stress Model (Meyer, 2003) is presented and translated to incorporate the unique experiences encountered by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. In particular, we examine adverse experiences that are closely related to gender identity and expression, resulting expectations for future victimization or rejection, and internalized transphobia. The impact of Minority Stress Model factors on suicide attempts is presented as a detailed example. Mechanisms by which transgender and gender nonconforming persons develop resilience to the negative psychological effects of these adverse experiences are also discussed. Recommendations for clinicians are then made to assist psychologists in developing competence in working with this population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
To examine whether (1) among youth who report being bullied, differential power and repetition are useful in identifying youth who are more or less affected by the victimization experience and (2) bullying and more generalized peer aggression are distinct or overlapping constructs.
Data for the Teen Health and Technology study were collected online between August 2010 and January 2011 from 3,989 13- to 18-year-olds. Data from the Growing up with Media study (Wave 3) were collected online in 2008 from 1,157 12- to 17-year-olds.
In the Teen Health and Technology study, youth who reported neither differential power nor repetition had the lowest rates of interference with daily functioning. Youth who reported either differential power or repetition had higher rates, but the highest rates of interference with daily functioning were observed among youth who reported both differential power and repetition. In the Growing up with Media study, youth were victims of online generalized peer aggression (30%) or both online generalized peer aggression and cyberbullying (16%) but rarely cyberbullying alone (1%).
Both differential power and repetition are key in identifying youth who are bullied and at particular risk for concurrent psychosocial challenge. Each feature needs to be measured directly. Generalized peer aggression appears to be a broader form of violence compared with bullying. It needs to be recognized that youth who are victimized but do not meet the criteria of bullying have elevated rates of problems. They are an important, albeit nonbullied, group of victimized youth to be included in research.
Objectives:
Before and after accounting for peer victimization, we estimated sexual risk disparities between students who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) and students who self-identified as nontransgender heterosexual.
Methods:
Students in grades 7 through 12 in Dane County, Wisconsin, were given the Web-administered Dane County Youth Assessment. One set of analyses was based on a sample that included 11 337 students. Subsequent analyses were based on a sample from which we screened out students who may not have been responding to survey items truthfully. Various multilevel-modeling and propensity-score-matching strategies ensured robustness of the results, examined disparities at lower and higher victimization rates, and explored heterogeneity among LGBTQ-identified youths. Finally, propensity-score-matching strategies estimated LGBTQ-heterosexual disparities in 2 matched samples: a sample that reported higher victimization and one that reported lower victimization.
Results:
Across 7 sexual risk outcomes, and in middle and high school, LGBTQ-identified youths reported engaging in riskier behavior than did heterosexual-identified youths after we accounted for peer victimization. Risk differentials were present in middle and high school. The LGBTQ group was heterogeneous, with lesbian/gay- and bisexual-identified youths generally appearing most risky, and questioning-identified youths least risky. In the matched sample with lower average victimization rates, LGBTQ-identified youths perceived a greater risk of sexually transmitted infections despite not engaging in sexually risky behavior at significantly higher rates; in the matched sample with higher average victimization rates, all outcomes were significantly different.
Conclusions:
Demonstrated LGBTQ-heterosexual risk differentials in grades 7 through 8 suggest that interventions need to be implemented during middle school. These interventions should also be differentiated to address the unique risk patterns among LGBTQ subgroups. Finally, models of sexual risk disparities must expand beyond peer victimization.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth face special challenges during adolescence including stigma, alienation, and abuse which have been linked with social costs and negative health outcomes. The Internet has been shown to ameliorate the negative impacts of homophobia by providing access to friendships and support, information, romantic partners, and a gay community. In this qualitative study, internet use of LGB and Non-LGB young people were compared. The LGB young people were more adventurous in their internet use than non LGB young people, including meeting new people online. Findings have implications for adolescent health professionals and policy makers.
Research suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths are at increased risk for both victimization and internalizing mental health problems, but limited research has studied their association or factors that increase resilience. The sample in this study included 425 LGBs between the ages of 16 and 24 years. The majority had disclosed their sexual orientation to family or friends (98%), and 97% had someone in their lives who was accepting of their orientation. Racial/ethnic minority and female participants in general reported lower levels of disclosure and acceptance. Most participants reported some form of sexual orientation-related victimization (94%). Victimization was associated with psychological distress, but a compensatory model indicated that in the context of this victimization both peer and family support had significant promotive effects. A test of a protective model found social support did not ameliorate negative effects of victimization. The positive effects of family support decreased with age. Peer and family support were particularly important, but they did not significantly dampen the negative effects of victimization. Findings suggest that mental health professionals working with LGB youths should address social support and that public health approaches are needed to reduce levels of victimization.
The development of a self-report measure of subjectively assessed social support, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), is described. Subjects included 136 female and 139 male university undergraduates. Three subscales, each addressing a different source of support, were identified and found to have strong factorial validity: (a) Family, (b) Friends, and (c) Significant Other. In addition, the research demonstrated that the MSPSS has good internal and test-retest reliability as well as moderate construct validity. As predicted, high levels of perceived social support were associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptomatology as measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Gender differences with respect to the MSPSS are also presented. The value of the MSPSS as a research instrument is discussed, along with implications for future research.
Students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) experience higher rates of victimization by bullying than do their heterosexual-identified peers. In this article, we investigate the extent to which this difference in rates of victimization can explain LGBTQ youths' greater rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and unexcused absences from school. Our sample consisted of 11,337 students in Grades 7 through 12 from 30 schools in Dane County, Wisconsin. Using both multilevel covariate-adjusted models and propensity-score-matching models, we found that although victimization does explain a portion of the LGBTQ-heterosexual risk disparities, substantial differences persist even when the differences in victimization are taken into account. For example, LGBTQ-identified students were 3.3 times as likely to think about suicide (p < .0001), 3.0 times as likely to attempt suicide (p = .007), and 1.4 times as likely to skip school (p = .047) as propensity-score-matched heterosexual-identified students within the same school who reported equivalent levels of peer victimization. Moreover, in our propensity-score-matched samples, we found substantial differences in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts at both higher and lower levels of victimization. This consistent pattern of findings suggests that policies aimed simply at reducing bullying may not be effective in bringing LGBTQ youth to the level of their heterosexual peers in terms of psychological and educational outcomes. Additional policies may be needed to promote safe, supportive school environments.
This article describes a social psychological framework for understanding sexual stigma, and it reports data on sexual minority individuals' stigma-related experiences. The framework distinguishes between stigma's manifestations in society's institutions (heterosexism) and among individuals. The latter include enacted sexual stigma (overt negative actions against sexual minorities, such as hate crimes), felt sexual stigma (expectations about the circumstances in which sexual stigma will be enacted), and internalized sexual stigma (personal acceptance of sexual stigma as part of one's value system and self-concept). Drawing from previous research on internalized sexual stigma among heterosexuals (i.e., sexual prejudice), the article considers possible parallels in how sexual minorities experience internalized sexual stigma (i.e., self-stigma, or negative attitudes toward the self). Data are presented from a community sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults (N = 2,259) to illustrate the model's utility for generating and testing hypotheses concerning self-stigma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Bullying and victimization are prevalent problems in the area of adolescent peer relationships. Middle school students (
N = 4,263) in one Maryland school district completed surveys covering a range of problem behaviors and psychosocial variables. Overall, 30.9% of the students reported being victimized three or more times in the past year and 7.4% reported bullying three or more times over the past year. More than one half of the bullies also reported being victimized. Those bully/victims were found to score less favorably than either bullies or victims on all the measured psychosocial and behavioral variables. Results of a discriminant function analysis demonstrated that a group of psychosocial and behavioral predictors—including problem behaviors, attitudes toward deviance, peer influences, depressive symptoms, school-related functioning, and parenting—formed a linear separation between the comparison group (never bullied or victimized), the victim group, the bully group, and the bully/victim group. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
The psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were investigated in 222 urban, largely African-American adolescents (68%). High internal consistency was demonstrated, and factor analysis confirmed the three subscale structures of the MSPSS: family, friends, and significant other. Correlations with a family caring scale supported the discriminant validity of the Family subscale. These results confirm the reliability, validity, and utility of the MSPSS with an urban, largely African-American adolescent sample. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Past research documents that both adolescent gender nonconformity and the experience of school victimization are associated with high rates of negative psychosocial adjustment. Using data from the Family Acceptance Project's young adult survey, we examined associations among retrospective reports of adolescent gender nonconformity and adolescent school victimization due to perceived or actual lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) status, along with current reports of life satisfaction and depression. The participants included 245 LGBT young adults ranging in age from 21 to 25 years. Using structural equation modeling, we found that victimization due to perceived or actual LGBT status fully mediates the association between adolescent gender nonconformity and young adult psychosocial adjustment (i.e., life satisfaction and depression). Implications are addressed, including specific strategies that schools can implement to provide safer environments for gender-nonconforming LGBT students.
Young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) experience sexual health disparities due to a lack of support in settings that traditionally promote positive youth development. The Internet may help to fill this void, but little is known about how it is used for sexual health purposes among young MSM. This mixed-methods study reports quantitative results of a large survey of 18- to 24-year-old MSM in an HIV testing clinic (N = 329) as well as qualitative results from interviews. Level of Internet use was high in this sample and the majority of participants reported using the Internet to find HIV/AIDS information. Black and Latino youth used the Internet less frequently than White youth, and after controlling for age, education, and frequency of Internet use, Black youth were 70% less likely to use the Internet to find HIV/AIDS information. Qualitative analyses identified themes related to the role of the Internet in finding sexual health information, sexual minority identity development, and sexual risk taking behaviors. Participants reported that the Internet filled an important and unmet need for sexual health education. It allowed for connections to the gay community and support during the coming out process, but also exposure to homophobic messages. There was no evidence of increased risk behaviors with partners met online, but at the same time the potential for the use of the Internet to facilitate safer sex communication was largely untapped. Our findings generally present an optimistic picture about the role of the Internet in the development of sexual health among young MSM.
The objective of this research was to obtain national estimates of exposure to the full spectrum of the childhood violence, abuse, and crime victimizations relevant to both clinical practice and public-policy approaches to the problem.
The study was based on a cross-sectional national telephone survey that involved a target sample of 4549 children aged 0 to 17 years.
A clear majority (60.6%) of the children and youth in this nationally representative sample had experienced at least 1 direct or witnessed victimization in the previous year. Almost half (46.3%) had experienced a physical assault in the study year, 1 in 4 (24.6%) had experienced a property offense, 1 in 10 (10.2%) had experienced a form of child maltreatment, 6.1% had experienced a sexual victimization, and more than 1 in 4 (25.3%) had been a witness to violence or experienced another form of indirect victimization in the year, including 9.8% who had witnessed an intrafamily assault. One in 10 (10.2%) had experienced a victimization-related injury. More than one third (38.7%) had been exposed to 2 or more direct victimizations, 10.9% had 5 or more, and 2.4% had 10 or more during the study year.
The scope and diversity of child exposure to victimization is not well recognized. Clinicians and researchers need to inquire about a larger spectrum of victimization types to identify multiply victimized children and tailor prevention and interventions to the full range of threats that children face.
Sexual minorities are at increased risk for multiple mental health burdens compared with heterosexuals. The field has identified 2 distinct determinants of this risk, including group-specific minority stressors and general psychological processes that are common across sexual orientations. The goal of the present article is to develop a theoretical framework that integrates the important insights from these literatures. The framework postulates that (a) sexual minorities confront increased stress exposure resulting from stigma; (b) this stigma-related stress creates elevations in general emotion dysregulation, social/interpersonal problems, and cognitive processes conferring risk for psychopathology; and (c) these processes in turn mediate the relationship between stigma-related stress and psychopathology. It is argued that this framework can, theoretically, illuminate how stigma adversely affects mental health and, practically, inform clinical interventions. Evidence for the predictive validity of this framework is reviewed, with particular attention paid to illustrative examples from research on depression, anxiety, and alcohol-use disorders.
The initial study describing the development of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) indicated that it was a psychometrically sound instrument (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988). The current study attempted to extend the initial findings by demonstrating the internal reliability, factorial validity, and subscale validity of the MSPSS using three different subject groups: (a) 265 pregnant women, (b) 74 adolescents living in Europe with their families, and (c) 55 pediatric residents. The MSPSS was found to have good internal reliability across subject groups. In addition, strong factorial validity was demonstrated, confirming the three-subscale structure of the MSPSS: Family, Friends, and Significant Other. Finally, strong support was also found for the validity of the Family and Significant Other subscales.
In this article the author reviews research evidence on the prevalence of mental disorders in lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) and shows, using meta-analyses, that LGBs have a higher prevalence of mental disorders than heterosexuals. The author offers a conceptual framework for understanding this excess in prevalence of disorder in terms of minority stress--explaining that stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create a hostile and stressful social environment that causes mental health problems. The model describes stress processes, including the experience of prejudice events, expectations of rejection, hiding and concealing, internalized homophobia, and ameliorative coping processes. This conceptual framework is the basis for the review of research evidence, suggestions for future research directions, and exploration of public policy implications.
Previous research in offline environments suggests that there may be an overlap in bullying and sexual harassment perpetration and victimization; however to what extent this may be true for perpetration and victimization of Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation is unknown.
The Growing Up with Media survey is a national cross-sectional online survey of 1,588 youth, 10-15 years old, who have used the Internet at least once in the last 6 months. Cluster analysis was conducted with four scales: Internet harassment perpetration, Internet harassment victimization, unwanted sexual solicitation perpetration, and unwanted sexual solicitation victimization.
A four-cluster solution was identified: youth with little to no involvement (n = 1326; 81.7%); perpetrator-victims of Internet harassment (n = 205; 14.3%); victims of both Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation (n = 45; 3.1%); and perpetrator-victims of Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation (n = 12; .9%). Involvement in Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation was associated with concurrent reports of psychosocial problems including substance use; involvement in offline victimization and perpetration of relational, physical, and sexual aggression; delinquent peers; a propensity to respond to stimuli with anger; poor emotional bond with caregivers; and poor caregiver monitoring as compared with youth with little to no involvement. This was especially true for perpetrator-victims of Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation. Findings were replicated using a frequency-based definition of involvement, suggesting that cluster analysis is useful in identifying subgroups of youth and can be used to guide frequency-based definitions, which are easier to implement across study samples.
The majority of youth are not frequently involved in Internet harassment or unwanted sexual solicitation either as victims or as perpetrators. Among those who are, however, psychosocial problems are apparent. Perpetrator-victims of Internet harassment and unwanted sexual solicitation have emerged as a particularly important group for adolescent health professionals to be aware of, identify, and treat or refer into services immediately.
The authors tested whether deficits in perceived social support predicted subsequent increases in depression and whether depression predicted subsequent decreases in social support with longitudinal data from adolescent girls (N = 496). Deficits in parental support but not peer support predicted future increases in depressive symptoms and onset of major depression. In contrast, initial depressive symptoms and major depression predicted future decreases in peer support but not parental support. Results are consistent with the theory that support decreases the risk for depression but suggest that this effect may be specific to parental support during early adolescence. Results are also consonant with the claim that depression promotes support erosion but imply that this effect may only occur with peer support during this period.
Social support, which is the perception or experience that one is cared for, esteemed, and part of a mutually supportive social network, has beneficial effects on mental and physical health. We review the psychobiological pathways whereby these effects may occur and detail the circumstances under which socially supportive efforts may misfire. Origins of social support include genetic factors and the early environment. We examine gender and cultural differences in how social support is experienced. Under some circumstances, providing social support confers the same benefits as receiving it. A myriad number of social support interventions, including those delivered via the internet, have been evaluated and have the potential to provide emotional and informational support to people who might otherwise lack social support.
Background
There is a need for brief instruments to screen for depression in adolescents that are valid, reliable and freely available. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of a 10-item version of the CESD-R (CESDR-10) in two national adolescent samples.
Methods
Sample 1 consisted of N=3777 youths (mean age 15.7) and Sample 2 contained N=1150 adolescents (mean age 14.5). We performed confirmatory factor analysis, evaluated construct validity, examined differential item functioning, and assessed internal consistency reliability (α).
Results
The results suggest generally strong psychometric properties for the CESDR-10. The CFA 1-factor model showed good model fit. Construct validity was partially supported in Sample 1 and mostly supported for Sample 2 based upon the characteristics examined. The CESDR-10 showed configural and metric invariance across both samples and full measurement invariance across sex. There were no notable differences in discrimination parameters or clinically significant differential item functioning between samples or sexes.
Limitations
Criterion related validity was not assessed in this study. Further studies should evaluate the scale in comparison to a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, this study utilized a web-based format of administration which may influence participants׳ answers. In future studies, the CESDR-10 should be administered in other settings to more thoroughly establish its generalizability.
Conclusion
In clinical and non-clinical settings alike, time pressures make the availability of brief but valid screening measures critical. Findings support future use of the CESDR-10.
This article examines (a) variation in rates of sexual harassment across mode (e.g., in-person, online) and type of harassment, (b) the impact of sexual harassment (i.e., distressing vs. non-distressing), and (c) how sexual harassment is similarly and differently experienced across sexual orientation and gender identity groups. Data were collected as part of the Teen Health and Technology online survey of 5,907 13 to 18 year-old Internet users in the United States. Past year sexual harassment was reported by 23-72% of youth, depending upon sexual orientation, with the highest rates reported by lesbian/queer girls (72%), bisexual girls (66%), and gay/queer boys (66%). When examined by gender identity, transgender youth reported the highest rates of sexual harassment - 81%. Overall, the most common modes for sexual harassment were in-person followed by online. Distress in the form of interference with school, family, and/or friends; creating a hostile environment; or being very/extremely upset was reported by about half of the sexually harassed bisexual girls and lesbian/queer girls, 65% of the gender non-conforming/other gender youth, and 63% of the transgender youth. Youth with high social support and self-esteem were less likely to report sexual harassment. Findings point to the great importance of sexual harassment prevention for all adolescents, with particular emphasis on the unique needs and experiences of youth of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Socio-emotional programs that emphasize self-esteem building could be particularly beneficial for reducing the likelihood of victimization and lessen the impact when it occurs.
The internet has met with mixed community reactions, especially when the focus is on young people's internet use. There are those who fear that the internet will introduce undesirable people and information into the home, leaving the young vulnerable and exploited. Alternatively, there are others who argue that the exclusion of young people from the internet is one of many examples of the diminishing public space that is made available to young people in this post-modern world. In this article we focus on the internet use of one ‘space deprived’ group of marginalized young people, those who are same-sex attracted. Regardless of some important changes in Australian culture and law, these young people's opportunities to openly live their sexual difference remain restricted. In this article we are interested in exploring the role of the internet as a space in which some important sexuality work can be done. What we found was that the internet was providing young people with the space to practise six different aspects of their sexual lives namely identity, friendship, coming out, intimate relationships, sex and community.
Just as with most other communication breakthroughs before it, the initial media and popular reaction to the Internet has been largely negative, if not apocalyptic. For example, it has been described as “awash in pornography”, and more recently as making people “sad and lonely.” Yet, counter to the initial and widely publi cized claim that Internet use causes depression and social isolation, the body of ev idence (even in the initial study on which the claim was based) is mainly to the con trary. More than this, however, it is argued that like the telephone and television before it, the Internet by itself is not a main effect cause of anything, and that psy chology must move beyond this notion to an informed analysis of how social iden tity, social interaction, and relationship formation may be different on the Internet than in real life. Four major differences and their implications for self and identity, social interaction, and relationships are identified: one's greater anonymity, the greatly reduced importance of physical appearance and physical distance as “gating features” to relationship development, and one's greater control over the time and pace of interactions. Existing research is reviewed along these lines and some promising directions for future research are described.
Objectives:
We examined the intersections of sexual minority, gender, and Hispanic ethnic identities and their interaction with experiences of bullying in predicting suicide attempt among New York City youths.
Methods:
We performed secondary data analysis of the 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey, using logistic regression to examine the association of sexual identity, gender, ethnicity, and bullying with suicide attempt. We stratified results on these measures and reported adjusted odds ratios.
Results:
Compared with non-sexual minority youths, sexual minority youths had 4.39 and 1.96 times higher odds, respectively, of attempting suicide and reporting bullying. Identity variables did not interact with bullying in predicting suicide attempt individually; however, a four-way interaction term was significant. The effect of bullying on suicide attempt was strongest among non-Hispanic sexual minority male youths (odds ratio = 21.39 vs 1.65-3.38 for other groups).
Conclusions:
Sexual minority, gender, and ethnic identities interact with bullying in predicting suicide attempt among New York City youths. Interventions to limit both the prevalence and the effect of bullying among minority youths should consider an intersectional approach that considers ethnic, gender, and sexual identities.
To inform the scientific debate about bullying, including cyberbullying, measurement.
Two split-form surveys were conducted online among 6-17-year-olds (n = 1,200 each) to inform recommendations for cyberbullying measurement.
Measures that use the word "bully" result in prevalence rates similar to each other, irrespective of whether a definition is included, whereas measures not using the word "bully" are similar to each other, irrespective of whether a definition is included. A behavioral list of bullying experiences without either a definition or the word "bully" results in higher prevalence rates and likely measures experiences that are beyond the definition of "bullying." Follow-up questions querying differential power, repetition, and bullying over time were used to examine misclassification. The measure using a definition but not the word "bully" appeared to have the highest rate of false positives and, therefore, the highest rate of misclassification. Across two studies, an average of 25% reported being bullied at least monthly in person compared with an average of 10% bullied online, 7% via telephone (cell or landline), and 8% via text messaging.
Measures of bullying among English-speaking individuals in the United States should include the word "bully" when possible. The definition may be a useful tool for researchers, but results suggest that it does not necessarily yield a more rigorous measure of bullying victimization. Directly measuring aspects of bullying (i.e., differential power, repetition, over time) reduces misclassification. To prevent double counting across domains, we suggest the following distinctions: mode (e.g., online, in-person), type (e.g., verbal, relational), and environment (e.g., school, home). We conceptualize cyberbullying as bullying communicated through the online mode.
This commentary argues that it is time to make bullying less of the central concept in efforts to combat peer victimization. Bullying has been a pivotal concept in the mobilization of effort in recent years to create safe environments for children. It has highlighted a phenomenon that seems to have universal resonance and is recognized internationally (Jimerson, Swearer, & Espelage, 2010). Prevalence for bullying has been measured in many countries, overall assessed as involving about 10% of the school aged population in its chronic form (Molcho et al., 2009). It is associated with serious outcomes (Klomeck et al., 2009) and is higher among abused children (Mohapatra et al., 2010). Public policy efforts are being made in many place to combat its occurrence and its effects (Howlett, 2011; Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, 2011; Salmivalli, Karna, & Poskiparta, 2011).
Four forms of school bullying behaviors among US adolescents and their association with sociodemographic characteristics, parental support, and friends were examined.
Data were obtained from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2005 Survey, a nationally representative sample of grades 6-10 (N = 7,182). The revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was used to measure physical, verbal, and relational forms of bullying. Two items were added using the same format to measure cyber bullying. For each form, four categories were created: bully, victim, bully-victim, and not involved. Multinomial logistic regressions were applied, with sociodemographic variables, parental support, and number of friends as predictors.
Prevalence rates of having bullied others or having been bullied at school for at least once in the last 2 months were 20.8% physically, 53.6% verbally, 51.4% socially, or 13.6% electronically. Boys were more involved in physical or verbal bullying, whereas girls were more involved in relational bullying. Boys were more likely to be cyber bullies, whereas girls were more likely to be cyber victims. African-American adolescents were involved in more bullying (physical, verbal, or cyber) but less victimization (verbal or relational). Higher parental support was associated with less involvement across all forms and classifications of bullying. Having more friends was associated with more bullying and less victimization for physical, verbal, and relational forms but was not associated with cyber bullying.
Parental support may protect adolescents from all four forms of bullying. Friends associate differentially with traditional and cyber bullying. Results indicate that cyber bullying is a distinct nature from that of traditional bullying.
Bully/victim problems among six classes of 8-9 year-old and six classes of 11-12 year-old children, attending three middle schools, were investigated by means of Olweus's self-report Bullying Inventory. About 21 per cent of the children reported being bullied, and about 17 per cent reported bullying others, "sometimes" or more often. Reports of both bullying and being bullied were more prevalent among boys than among girls, and among the younger group than among the older group. The two most common forms of bullying were reported to be teasing and hitting/kicking. Fewer of the younger group than the older group reported being bullied by same-age pupils, and more of the former reported being bullied by older pupils. Most boys were bullied by other boys only, whereas girls were more likely to be bullied by children of either sex. Besides being bullied in school, children also reported that this happened on the journey to/from school and in other places such as in the street near where they live. Many children expressed negative attitudes towards bullying, although nearly a third said that they could understand why it happens. The majority of the children who reported being bullied/bullying others had not been spoken to about this by teachers or by someone at home. Victims of bullying, but not bullies, were found to be most likely to report feeling unhappy and lonely at school, and to report having fewer good friends. In Study 2, children identified as bullies, victims and not involved in this type of problem were interviewed to find out why certain children and/or themselves bully/get bullied by others, and the feelings of the children involved. The pattern of responses by the three groups differed in some important ways.
The extent and nature of bullying among South Australian primary school children and their self appraisals of peer relations were investigated in a survey of 412 primary school children between the ages of 7 to 13 years. It was found that 10% of boys and 6% of girls were subject to peer group bullying and for 8% of such children the bullying episodes lasted 6 months or more. Factor analysis of styles of interpersonal relating amongst children identified three independent factors including a tendency to bully, to be victimized and to act in a pro-social manner. The tendency to be victimized correlated negatively with self appraisals of the number of friends, popularity, happiness at school and feelings of safety at school. The findings are discussed in relation to research linking negative self appraisals of interpersonal competence with isolation and proneness to depression in later years.
The longitudinal relations between gay-related stress (i.e., gay-related stressful events, negative attitudes toward homosexuality, and discomfort with homosexuality) and emotional distress (i.e., anxious symptoms, depressive symptoms, and conduct problems) were examined at 3 assessment periods (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) among 140 gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youths. Although some findings were consistent with the hypothesis that stress would be associated with subsequent distress among GLB youths, the larger number of nonsignificant relations and the presence of relations between distress and subsequent gay-related stress indicate that the hypothesis was unsupported. The authors discuss the potential reasons for the lack of hypothesized relations and offer suggestions for future research.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its first statement on homosexuality and adolescents in 1983, with a revision in 1993. This report reflects the growing understanding of youth of differing sexual orientations. Young people are recognizing their sexual orientation earlier than in the past, making this a topic of importance to pediatricians. Pediatricians should be aware that some youths in their care may have concerns about their sexual orientation or that of siblings, friends, parents, relatives, or others. Health care professionals should provide factual, current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner. All youths, including those who know or wonder whether they are not heterosexual, may seek information from physicians about sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, or various psychosocial difficulties. The pediatrician should be attentive to various potential psychosocial difficulties, offer counseling or refer for counseling when necessary and ensure that every sexually active youth receives a thorough medical history, physical examination, immunizations, appropriate laboratory tests, and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases (including human immunodeficiency virus infection) and appropriate treatment if necessary.
Not all pediatricians may feel able to provide the type of care described in this report. Any pediatrician who is unable to care for and counsel nonheterosexual youth should refer these patients to an appropriate colleague.
This study hypothesized that gender-role nonconformity is associated with suicidality, and bullying mediates this relationship. Gay males retrospectively answered questions pertaining to elementary, middle, and high school. Support for the hypotheses was found. Results can help screen gay youth for suicidality and support the need for policies prohibiting harassment based on sexual orientation.
Kurdas It made me feel braver, I was no longer alone: Same sex attracted young people negotiating the pleasures and pitfalls of the Internet Sexuality in the Pacific
- Hillier
- Hillier
Gasser Teens and technology 2013 2013 Retrieved from 〈http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/03/13/teens-and-technology-2013
- Madden
- Madden
The handbook of health psychology
- S Taylor
Taylor, S. (2011). Social support: A review. In M. S. Friedman (Ed.), The handbook of health psychology (pp. 189-214). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.