Examining Social Support as a Factor Promoting Resiliency Against Negative Outcomes Among Sexual Minority Youth

Abstract

While most researchers agree that there is nothing inherently pathological about a sexual minority orientation (Savin-Willimas, 2005), sexual minority youth often face additional mental health challenges. Among the specific challenges experienced by sexual minority youth are increased rates of depression (D'Augelli, 2002; Galiher, Rostosky, & Hughes, 2004; Russell & Joyner, 2001), suicidal ideation (Balsam, Beauchaine, Mickey, & Rothblum, 2005; Russell & Joyner, 2001), substance abuse (Garofalo, Wolf, Kessel, Palfrey, & DuRant, 1998), and victimization (D'Augelli, Pilkington, & Hershberger, 2002; Elze, 2003; Russell, Franz, & Driscoll, 2001). Although research is beginning to address protective factors, we do not yet have a complete understanding of specific protective factors, particularly within the school, that promote resiliency within this group. The current study utilized a correlational design to evaluate the experiences of 377 sexual minority youth and examine the link between social support and specific mental health indicators (depression, suicidal ideation, substance use, and victimization). The youth in this study were drawn from community drop-in centers for sexual minority youth. Participants completed questionnaires and participated in a face-to-face interview to provide information regarding depression, suicidal ideation, substance use, victimization. Additionally, participants provided information regarding their feelings of being supported by their friends, whether or not their school had a support/discussion group for sexual minority youth, and if so, whether they attended the group. No significant relationships were found between the social support factors (social support from friends, presence of support group in school) and decreased substance use or suicidal ideation. Contrary to research indicating positive outcomes for students who attend schools with a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA; GLSEN, 2011), youth in the current study whose school had a support group reported increased depression when compared to youth whose school did not have a support group. However, a significant relationship was found between increased perceived social support from friends and decreased depression scores. These findings suggest the need for advocacy within schools to create supportive environments that are accessible to all sexual minority youth and that provide the opportunity to increase social networks and access to supportive peers.