The Effects of Strong Social and Parental Support Compared to Low or Absent Support in LGBTQIA+ Youth Mental Health

Throughout history, sexual and gender minorities have faced a range of emotional and psychological challenges shaped by their unique experiences and interactions with society, family, and peers. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), homosexuality was classified as a sociopathic personality disturbance in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I) in 1952, and it remained listed as a mental disorder until it was removed in 1973. Individuals that identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other identities within the LGBTQIA+ community were historically seen as abnormal and were often subjected to ethically problematic treatments. Over the past seventy years, societal views towards the LGBTQIA+ community shifted towards acceptance and understanding. However, negative perceptions and discrimination persist, as certain families and cultures may reject individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. Despite increasing societal awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues, many youth in this community continue to face rejection and lack of societal and parental support. In the U.S., 49% of LGBTQIA+ youth have experienced bullying, and those who were bullied reported increasingly higher rates of attempted suicide in the past year compared to those who were not a part of that community (The Trevor Project, 2024). The decrease of support is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. However, there is limited research on LGBTQIA+ communities and addressing this gap is essential for developing interventions and providing supportive environments that promote psychological well-being in this population.