Molly Kerby, MPH, PhD (c)¹, Lisa Lindley, DrPH¹, and Patricia Duvall, MAE². (1) Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, 2707456103, molly.kerby@wku.edu, (2) Department of Counseling and Student Affairs, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Most research studying LGBT youth and young adults has almost exclusively focused on the negative consequences of having an LGBT orientation/identity. Studies have consistently reported astoundingly high numbers of LGBT young people who engage in a variety of high-risk behaviors, ranging from skipping school to attempting suicide. Few studies, however, have examined the positive aspects of development or positive factors that protect or foster resiliency among LGBT young adults. In response, campus programs for LGBT students focus on counseling and crisis support systems rather than creating services and educational programs where LGBT youth can become leaders and act as peer educators. The National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) College Student Survey, conducted during the 2001-2002 academic, was an Internet survey designed to examine the health risk behaviors, past experiences, and overall well being of college students in the United States who self identify LGBT. The LGBT College Student Survey was one of the first national surveys designed to explore the health risk behaviors of this population. Participation was solicited from 135 LGBT college student organizations and resource centers across the United States. Survey data were collected from 450 LGBT college students. This session will first examine students’ external assets such as support from friends and family, college GPA, participation in formal campus organizations, and availability of LGBT resource centers and LGBT departments or programs of study at their university. Secondly, this session will explore the students’ internal assets relating to life purpose, self-esteem, and positive feelings about their future.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the need for positive roles for LGBT youth in campus communities;
• Understand the concepts involved in analyzing internal and external assets and how they contribute to general well being of LGBT youth and student success;
• Develop ways to apply new concepts in creating LGBT programs on college campus and LGBT peer education programs;

Keywords: Well-Being, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.