LGBTQI+ Youth and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

Due to increased levels of stigma, discrimination and victimization Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning or Intersex (LGBTQI+) youth face particular challenges in society. With the intention of better understanding the challenges and issues that LGBTQI+ youth are experiencing, thi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Adolescent research review 2020-06, Vol.5 (2), p.187-211
Main Authors: Wilson, Clare, Cariola, Laura A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Child and School Psychology
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Developmental Psychology
Educational Environment
Educational Psychology
Mental depression
Neurosciences
Outcomes of Education
Psychiatry
Psychology
Qualitative research
Suicides & suicide attempts
Systematic Review
Young adults
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Due to increased levels of stigma, discrimination and victimization Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning or Intersex (LGBTQI+) youth face particular challenges in society. With the intention of better understanding the challenges and issues that LGBTQI+ youth are experiencing, this systematic review explored qualitative studies with a focus on mental health services and the requisite social support service policies and programs for LGBTQI+ youth. Qualitative research systematically examines the expressed thoughts and feelings of the research participants, and through reflective analysis of the themes and links discussed, can provide rich and nuanced understanding. A synthesis of the included studies identified five core themes: (1) Isolation, rejection, phobia, need for support; (2) Marginalization; (3) Depression, self-harm and suicidality; (4) Policy and environment; and (5) Connectedness. Key results suggest that community, school, and family resources to support resilience will optimize LGBTQI+ mental health. This systematic review of qualitative research provides a source of rich information to inform the provision of services and policies that will address the disparity into mental health statistics for the LGBTQI+ population.
ISSN:2363-8346
2363-8354
DOI:10.1007/s40894-019-00118-w