An intersectional approach for the effects of school bullying & cyberbullying on beliefs about the future among Latine LGBTQ + youth in the United States

Latine lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth in the United States (U.S.) experience compounded forms of oppression that increase vulnerability to both school-based and cyberbullying. Guided by the Minority Stress Theory (MST) and the Temporal Intersectional Minority Stress Model (TIMSM), this study examined how intersectional bullying relates to future outlook among Latine LGBTQ+ youth, and whether internalized stigma, depression, and caregiver acceptance mediate or moderate these associations. Data were drawn from a national U.S. sample of 1772 Latine LGBTQ+ adolescents aged 13-18. Participants completed validated measures assessing intersectional school and cyberbullying, LGBTQ+ internalized stigma, depression-anxiety, caregiver acceptance, and beliefs about the future. Serial indirect-effects and moderation analyses were conducted. Both school-based bullying and cyberbullying were indirectly associated with more negative beliefs about the future through increased LGBTQ+ internalized stigma and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Cyberbullying demonstrated slightly stronger links to internalized stigma, whereas school bullying was more closely tied to depressive/anxiety outcomes. LGBTQ+ caregiver acceptance at high levels significantly buffered the effects of both forms of bullying on internalized stigma and depression. Findings underscore the cumulative impact of intersectional bullying on Latine LGBTQ+ youths' mental health and future outlook within the U.S. sociocultural context. Culturally responsive interventions that strengthen caregiver acceptance, promote affirming school climates, and address digital victimization are essential for fostering resilience and hope among Latine LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S.