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LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 36932

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jun Sung Hong

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Guest Editor

School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Interests: bullying; school violence; adolescent mental health

Prof. Dr. Dorothy L. Espelage

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Guest Editor

School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
Interests: prevention science; school based interventions; social-emotional learning intervention; bullying prevention; dating

Dr. Saijun Zhang

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Guest Editor

Department of Social Work, School of Applied Sciences, University of Mississippi, Garland Hall, University, MS 38677, USA
Interests: youth substance use; youth mental health; child victimization; interpersonal violence; quantitative methodology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of IJERPH entitled “LGBTQ+ Bullying and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors”. We are seeking empirical research articles and reviews of the literature on topics related to bullying experiences of adolescents (ages 10–21) who identify as LGBTQ and protective factors that moderate the association between bullying based on sexual orientation and gender-identity-associated outcomes. We encourage researchers who are interested in this Special Issue to contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].

Dr. Jun Sung Hong
Prof. Dr. Dorothy L. Espelage
Dr. Saijun Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

bullying
homophobic bullying
adolescents
LGBTQ+
sexual orientation
gender identity
violence

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protection and Connection: Negating Depression and Suicidality among Bullied, LGBTQ Youth

by Lindsay Kahle Semprevivo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146388 - 18 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are particularly at risk of bullying and other forms of violence, and the myriad of risk factors associated with instances of victimization. Interdisciplinary research finds that certain protective factors—biological, psychological, familial, or community-level characteristics that reduce the impact of risk and problematic outcomes—mitigate the effects of victimization. Using data from the 2019 Nashville Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System (YRBSS), this study examines the effects of bullying and electronic bullying on LGBTQ (n = 303) and heterosexual/cisgender (n = 1104) 9th to 12th-grade students’ depression and suicidality, and the role that protective factors play in mitigating these effects. Logistic regression results show that students who feel safe at school, feel valued by their community, and seek help are less likely to report depression and suicidality overall, when they are LGBTQ, and when they are bullied. These findings point to the importance of solidifying personal, school, and community-level support systems for youth, especially LGBTQ youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

10 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Cyberbullying Victimization on Academic Satisfaction among Sexual Minority College Students: The Indirect Effect of Flourishing

by Jeoung Min Lee, Jinhee Park, Heekyung Lee, Jaegoo Lee and Jason Mallonee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(13), 6248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136248 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

This study examines the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction through flourishing (psychological well-being) among 188 LGBTQ college students utilizing the lens of general strain theory and positive psychology. Results indicate that flourishing as a mediator explains the association between cyberbullying victimization and academic satisfaction among LGBTQ college students. For these students, flourishing can serve as a protective factor for their academic satisfaction. This finding highlights the need for college counselors, faculty, and administrators to foster psychological well-being among cyberbullied LGBTQ college students. Practice implications will guide the development of a campus-wide cyberbullying intervention for these students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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11 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual Orientation Microaggression Experiences and Coping Responses of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

by Yu-Te Huang, Wen-Jiun Chou, Yi-Chen Hang and Cheng-Fang Yen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032304 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1716

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the sexual orientation microaggression (SOM) experiences and coping strategies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals in Taiwan. In total, 30 LGB individuals (17 women and 13 men; 17 homosexual and 13 bisexual individuals) who experienced SOMs participated in qualitative, semistructured interviews, during which their SOM experiences were assessed. Through the interviews, several types of SOMs were identified, corresponding to three main types of microaggression (microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations) previously identified in Western studies. The participants reported various coping responses to SOMs, ranging from active responses to choosing not to respond, to protecting themselves or to minimizing the negative consequences of confrontation. The results provide mental health professionals with insight regarding the contexts of and coping responses to the SOMs experienced by LGB individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

9 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Homophobia and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Health Workers in Southern Chile

by Oscar Oyarce-Vildósola, Alejandra Rodríguez-Fernández and Eduard Maury-Sintjago

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13749; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113749 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Homophobic attitude in health workers is a social determinant in the health of the homosexual population because it affects healthcare and its access and equity. The objective was to determine the relationship between the level of homophobia and sociodemographic characteristics of primary health workers in southern Chile. This was an analytical cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 491 public servants from health centers in southern Chile. The attitudes toward lesbians and gay men (ATLG) scale was applied, and a binary logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association. The study participants were predominantly women (76.0%), under 40 years of age (63.5%), heterosexuals (93.5%), and unpartnered (68.2%) but with children (61.7%), and they also had an educational attainment ≥ 12 years (66.6%). About 87.6% of the participants held healthcare positions, and the majority were religious believers (74.3%) and had a centrist political affiliation (51.0%). Results indicated that 34% of the participants exhibited homophobic attitudes; there were statistically significant differences with respect to age, number of children, educational attainment, religion, and political affiliation (p < 0.01). These were higher in individuals ≥40 years of age, with ≥3 children, with educational attainment ≥ 12 years, holding a healthcare position, who were religious believers, and who had right-wing political affiliation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

17 pages, 552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LGBTQ+ Students’ Peer Victimization and Mental Health before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Erin K. Gill and Mollie T. McQuillan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811537 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3773

Abstract

Given the well-established health disparities between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender-expansive (LGBTQ+) and cisgender, straight youth, scholars predicted the COVID-19 pandemic would disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ students. Yet, few studies have described changes in LGBTQ+ students’ school experiences and well-being during the pandemic. Using survey data from 40,904 middle and high school students, we examined changes from before (2018) to during (2021) the pandemic in peer victimization, anxiety, and suicide attempts. We conducted bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to assess changes between the two time points among LGBTQ+ and cisgender, straight students. We found LGBTQ+ students experienced more peer victimization, anxiety, and suicide attempts at both points, before and during the pandemic, than cisgender, straight youth. However, LGBTQ+ students reported increased anxiety, decreased peer victimization, and decreased suicide attempts in 2021, during the pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic 2018 reports. These findings suggest pandemic-related school disruptions may have provided LGBTQ+ students some relief from the harmful effects of poor, in-person school climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

17 pages, 409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Narratives and Belief in a Just World in Victims of Bullying Due to Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues

by Adrián Sánchez Sibony and Liliana Jacott

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610186 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1593

Abstract

Students belonging to a sexual and gender minority go through experiences of injustice in their educational centers and are victims of school bullying. This research analyzes the relationship between these experiences and their influence on the development of the Belief in a Just World, as well as the impact of their experiences on the development of their narratives. Participants are students who have suffered from bullying due to sexual and gender diversity issues during their primary and secondary education stages (ages 15–40 years). Starting from a constructivist qualitative methodological approach, a semi-structured interview was developed as an instrument for collecting data on these aspects. The information extracted was contrasted with the results of the Personal and General Belief in a Just Word Scales. The results of the first interviews provide us with prior information on current identities and narratives and their representations of justice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

13 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender-Neutral Toilets: A Qualitative Exploration of Inclusive School Environments for Sexuality and Gender Diverse Youth in Western Australia

by Jacinta Francis, Pratishtha Sachan, Zoe Waters, Gina Trapp, Natasha Pearce, Sharyn Burns, Ashleigh Lin and Donna Cross

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10089; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610089 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8481

Abstract

School toilets have been identified by sexuality and gender diverse (SGD) students as the least safe spaces in educational institutions. They are sites of verbal, physical and sexual victimisation. Providing gender-neutral toilets in primary and secondary schools may reduce the bullying and victimisation of SGD students, particularly those who are transgender or gender-diverse. This study explored factors influencing the inclusion of gender-neutral toilets in primary and secondary schools in Western Australia. Thirty-four interviews were conducted from May to December 2020 with policy makers or practitioners (n = 22) and school staff (n = 12) in Perth, Western Australia. Interviews were conducted online and face-to-face using semi-structured interview guides. A thematic analysis of the cross-sectional qualitative data was undertaken. School staff, policy makers, and practitioners identified school toilets as sites of bullying and victimisation of SGD youth and expressed support for gender-neutral toilets as an anti-bullying strategy. Perceived barriers to introducing gender-neutral toilets in schools included financial and spatial costs, building code compliance constraints, resistance from parents and students, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and cultural appropriateness. Including gender-neutral toilets in schools may reduce school-based bullying and victimisation, and improve the mental and physical health of SGD youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Latent Class Analysis of Victimization Patterns and Associated Protective Factors among LGBTQ Youth

by Alberto Valido, Matthew Rivas-Koehl, Dane Rivas-Koehl, Dorothy L. Espelage, Timothy I. Lawrence and Luz E. Robinson

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169953 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

Youth victimization in schools remains a fervent public health issue, despite increased awareness of this issue, and this is especially true for marginalized populations like lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Youth violence has been studied widely, but less research has sought to understand factors protective of violence victimization, particularly protective factors shared across multiple forms of violence. In the current study, we utilized latent class analysis to test patterns of three types of victimization: peer victimization (PV), homophobic name-calling victimization (HNCV), and sexual harassment victimization (SHV). In addition, we tested protective factors associated with experiencing these types of violence. Our sample included 4778 9–11th graders in the United States, of which about 15% identified as LGBTQ. Three unique classes of victimization emerged, suggesting that concurrent forms of violence occur among some groups of adolescents. LGBTQ youth were more likely to be members of classes which demonstrated higher levels of victimization. Consistent with previous literature, medical access, counseling access, family support, peer support, and spirituality emerged as significant protective factors associated with a lower risk of victimization. We discuss the implications of our findings with specific attention to protecting the wellbeing of SGM youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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13 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse

by Sophie Evelyn, Elizabeth M. Clancy, Bianca Klettke and Ruth Tatnell

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116560 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3285

Abstract

Cyberbullying can present a serious risk for adolescents and young adults, with severe effects on victims including adverse mental health outcomes and increased risk of suicide. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are significantly more likely to experience cyberbullying. However, little is presently known about the lived cyberbullying experiences of TGD adults despite the prevalence of cyberbullying experienced by the TGD community. TGD participants (n = 66, M = 24 years) were recruited through snowball sampling and completed an online questionnaire as part of a larger study, which included qualitative questions regarding cyberbullying. Participants reported that cyberbullying was experienced predominantly on social media sites and was largely anonymous. The content was often physically and sexually threatening and heavily transphobic. Additionally, some cyberbullying experienced by TGD individuals was perpetrated by other TGD individuals and focused on the identity policing and gatekeeping of TGD spaces. Participants reported cyberbullying evoked negative emotions, and they often responded by either arguing with or blocking the perpetrators, thereby demonstrating resilience. Some participants sought social support in response to cyberbullying, which acted as a protective factor. Findings reveal specific harms associated with cyberbullying as experienced by TGD individuals and highlight the need for further research and targeted support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

15 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships of Homophobic Bullying Victimization during Childhood with Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Early Adulthood among Gay and Bisexual Men: Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms and Moderating Effect of Family Support

by Huang-Chi Lin, Yu-Ping Chang, Yi-Lung Chen and Cheng-Fang Yen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084789 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3087

Abstract

This study investigated (1) the associations of homophobic bullying victimization in childhood with borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in early adulthood among gay and bisexual men; (2) the mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and BPD symptoms, and (3) the moderating effects of perceived family support on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and BPD symptoms. A total of 500 gay or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years were recruited into this study. The experiences of physical, verbal and social relationship bullying victimization during childhood were evaluated using the Mandarin Chinese version of the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire. The experiences of cyberbullying victimization during childhood were evaluated using the Cyberbullying Experiences Questionnaire. BPD symptoms were assessed using the Borderline Symptom List. Depressive symptoms were examined using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Perceived family support was evaluated using the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve index. The results of mediation analyses demonstrated that all the types of homophobic bullying victimization in childhood were directly associated with BDP symptoms in young adulthood as well as indirectly associated with BPD symptoms through the mediation of depressive symptoms. The results of moderation analyses demonstrated that the association between homophobic bullying victimization and BPD symptoms decreased when the individuals had more family support. Intervention programs to reduce homophobic bullying victimization and enhance family support for gay and bisexual men and their families are necessary. Interventions to improve depressive and BPD symptoms among gay and bisexual men are also necessary, especially for those who experienced homophobic bullying victimization during childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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23 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LGBTQ+ Youth’s Identity Development in the Context of Peer Victimization: A Mixed Methods Investigation

by Sarah Kiperman, Hannah L. Schacter, Margaret Judge and Gabriel DeLong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073921 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3307

Abstract

Research rarely explores LGBTQ+ youth bullying in the context of culture-specific outcomes (e.g., LGBTQ+ identity development) and what can mitigate the impact of peer stressors. This study used a concurrent mixed methods design to explore how experiences of peer victimization predicted LGBTQ+ youth’s identity development (i.e., stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process) and whether social support and outness served as protective, moderating factors. The mixed methods approach provides a culture-specific context via qualitative inquiry to inform whether the quantitative findings align with how youth qualitatively discuss their experience of peer victimization, negative outcomes, and social support. Our sample consisted of 349 LGBTQ+ youth 14–17 years old who completed a survey (quantitative sample) and a subset of 39 LGBTQ+ youth who completed a semi-structured interview (qualitative sample). Our quantitative findings indicated that greater overall peer victimization was positively related to LGBIS-revised subscales of stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process, where both outness and social support moderated such relations. Qualitatively, victimized youth also reported stigma sensitivity and concealment motivation while also endorsing how being out and having a support system played a role in their experience of being victimized. These qualitative findings align with our quantitative findings that classmate support mitigated the effects of peer victimization on the difficulty of coming out. Implications for practitioners and researchers are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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14 pages, 2985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivation to Move Out of the Community as a Moderator of Bullying Victimization and Delinquent Behavior: Comparing Non-Heterosexual/Cisgender and Heterosexual African American Adolescents in Chicago’s Southside

by Jun Sung Hong, Saijun Zhang, Rachel C. Garthe, Megan R. Hicks, Ellen W. deLara and Dexter R. Voisin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412998 - 09 Dec 2021

Viewed by 1431

Abstract

A growing body of research documents that bullying victimization is associated with delinquent behavior. There is an increasing need to better illuminate the factors that might moderate this relationship. This study examined whether the motivation to move out of low-resourced neighborhoods and sexual orientation/gender identity moderated the relationship between bullying victimization and delinquent behavior among a sample of 450 heterosexual and 91 non-heterosexual/cisgender African American youths. Measures considered were bullying victimization, delinquent behavior, sexual orientation/gender identity, motivation to move out, and family demographics. Sexual orientation/gender identity was not associated with youth delinquent behavior after controlling for covariates. Being motivated to move out moderated the association between bullying victimization and delinquent behavior. Sexual orientation/gender identity and being motivated to move out of low-resourced communities jointly contributed to the moderating effect between bullying victimization and delinquent behavior. For non-heterosexual/cisgender youth, bullying victimization is correlated with increased delinquent behavior for those with low motivation to move out of their communities compared with those with an average or higher level of motivation to stay. However, such a moderating effect was not shown for heterosexual youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue LGBTQ+ Bullying, Violence, Discrimination, and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes: Identifying Protective and Resilience Factors)

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