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Protective Factors for LGBTI+ Youth Wellbeing: A Scoping Review Underpinned by Recognition Theory

Author

Listed:
  • Nerilee Ceatha

    (School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Aaron C. C. Koay

    (Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
    School of Sociology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Conor Buggy

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Oscar James

    (Independent Researcher, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Louise Tully

    (School of Physiotherapy, Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland)

  • Marta Bustillo

    (UCD Library, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Des Crowley

    (School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
    HSE Addiction Services, Health Services Executive, Dublin 11, Ireland
    Addiction Management in Primary Care, Irish College of General Practitioners, Dublin 2, Ireland)

Abstract

Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a consequence of societal and individual prejudice, stigma and discrimination. Far less research has focussed on protective factors that promote wellbeing for this population. A scoping review was conducted using a six-stage methodological framework, and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR statement. This explored the extent, range and nature of the peer-reviewed, published, academic literature on what is known about the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. Six databases were systematically searched applying Population–Concept–Context key inclusion criteria, complemented by contact with authors to identify additional sources, reference checks and hand searches. Ninety-six individual research records were identified and analysed, drawing from Honneth’s Recognition Theory. Interpersonal relations with parents ( n = 40), peers ( n = 32) and providers ( n = 22) were associated with indicators of enhanced wellbeing, as were LGBTI+ community relations ( n = 32). Importantly, online ( n = 10), faith ( n = 10) and cultural ( n = 5) communities were potentially protective. Content and thematic analysis highlighted the importance of Gay–Straight Alliances (GSAs) ( n = 23) offering powerful protective opportunities through intersecting interpersonal, community and legal forms of recognition. GSAs enhance allyship by peers and providers ( n = 21), facilitate access to LGBTI+ community networks ( n = 11) and co-exist alongside inclusive policies ( n = 12), curricular ( n = 5) and extracurricular activities ( n = 1). This scoping review underscores the need to move beyond the predominant focus on risk factors for LGBTI+ youth, which subsequently inform protectionist approaches. It concludes with an appeal to develop mechanisms to apply recognitive justice to policy, practice and, importantly, future research directions. This emphasises the salience of enhanced understandings of inclusion, which is rights-based, universally available and of potential benefit to all.

Suggested Citation

  • Nerilee Ceatha & Aaron C. C. Koay & Conor Buggy & Oscar James & Louise Tully & Marta Bustillo & Des Crowley, 2021. "Protective Factors for LGBTI+ Youth Wellbeing: A Scoping Review Underpinned by Recognition Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-50, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11682-:d:673904
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Davis, Tamara S. & Saltzburg, Susan & Locke, Chris R., 2009. "Supporting the emotional and psychological well being of sexual minority youth: Youth ideas for action," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(9), pages 1030-1041, September.
    2. Molly Mulcahy & Sarah Dalton & Jered Kolbert & Laura Crothers, 2016. "Informal mentoring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students," The Journal of Educational Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 109(4), pages 405-412, July.
    3. Dennehy, Rebecca & Meaney, Sarah & Cronin, Mary & Arensman, Ella, 2020. "The psychosocial impacts of cybervictimisation and barriers to seeking social support: Young people’s perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    4. Joseph G L Lee & Thomas Ylioja & Mellanye Lackey, 2016. "Identifying Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Search Terminology: A Systematic Review of Health Systematic Reviews," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-12, May.
    5. Nerilee Ceatha & Paula Mayock & Jim Campbell & Chris Noone & Kath Browne, 2019. "The Power of Recognition: A Qualitative Study of Social Connectedness and Wellbeing through LGBT Sporting, Creative and Social Groups in Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-18, September.
    6. Hatzenbuehler, M.L. & Birkett, M. & Van Wagenen, A. & Meyer, I.H., 2014. "Protective school climates and reduced risk for suicide ideation in sexual minority youths," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(2), pages 279-286.
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    1. Nerilee Ceatha & Gary J. Gates & Des Crowley, 2023. "LGBT+ Self-Identification Among Youth in Ireland Aged 17-18 Years: A Research Brief," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(4), pages 1-15, August.

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