The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65277

Gabriel Smith, BA¹, Rick S. Zimmerman, PhD², Michael G. Dudley, MS¹, and Eric R. Wright, PhD³. (1) HIV Prevention Research, Communication Dept., University of Kentucky, 303 Breckinridge Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, (859)257-8133, gsmit2@uky.edu, (2) Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, 245 Grehan Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0042, (3) Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Cavanaugh Hall 303, 425 University Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46202

This study emerged from a desire to better understand the social factors that contribute to mental health in young GLBT adults. Surveys were collected from 434 Midwestern young adults (mean age = 19.5; 76% men; 24% women) who attended youth or college GLBT groups or were present at GLBT-friendly venues during collection. Of these, 362 respondents were chosen for analysis on the basis of reported same-sex attraction. Linear regression showed several social factors were significantly correlated with scores from a GLBT mental health scale measuring respondents’ (dis)comfort being gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Younger respondents, women, those who were “out” longer, those who had been aware of their sexuality longer, those reporting better moods, and those who perceived more acceptance in their communities reported more comfort with their sexual orientation. Additionally, the analysis suggested several factors to be moderately associated (p < .10) with GLBT mental health, including race, proportion of friends to whom respondents were “out,” and the number of sexual orientation-related assaults respondents experienced. Surprisingly, the study did not find membership in youth or college GLBT groups or the number of incidences of non-physical anti-gay harassment to be significantly correlated with the outcome variable. Findings suggest the contribution of many social factors to young GLBT adults’ (non)acceptance of and/or (dis)comfort with their own sexuality. Furthermore, the study contributes to scholars’ and GLBT service providers, individuals’ and allies’ awareness of social factors that may support or inhibit self-affirmation on the part of GLBT individuals.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the conclusion of the session, the participant-learner will be able to do the following:
• List the study's correlates of queer-positive mentality in young LGBT adults
• Discuss the interplay of the many social factors contributing to the self-affirmation of young LGBT adults.
• Apply the study's findings to the fashioning of programming reaching young LGBT adults
• Construct studies furthering the understanding of the social factors affecting queer-positive mentality in young LGBT adults.

Keywords: Mental Health, Gay

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: This study was partly supported by the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism(NIAAA)