School Memories about Homophobic Bullying: A Study Based on Cultural-Historical Psychology.

The expression of homophobic violence in schools reveals the urgency of an analytical approach to debate the impact of this phenomenon on students' mental health. This article seeks to debate and better comprehend school memories from young gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, as well as to discuss how homophobic bullying affected their school trajectories. This study is based on cultural-historical psychology in intersection with gender and sexuality studies. In-depth online interviews were conducted with three young subjects who identified themselves as non-heterosexual. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through the analytical discourse tool defined as Nuclei of Meanings. The results were organized in two topics of discussion: (a) the problems associated with non-heterosexual identity in schools; (b) the search for other ways of experiencing sexual identity in school. Throughout the article, reflections were held about the challenges participants had to deal with in order to regularly attend school and be educated, as well as the obstacles they faced in building their own ways of recognizing their sexual identity. The unique ways in which these young subjects took a stand in the face of homophobic situations show new methods to create educational interventions in order to include sexual diversity and openness to different possibilities of being and acting.

Imagined and extended contact experiences and adolescent bystanders' behavioral intentions in homophobic bullying episodes.

Bystanders' helping interventions in bias-based bullying are rare, although they have the potential to intervene on behalf of the victim and quickly stop the aggression. Two studies tested, experimentally, the impact of adolescents' imagined (Study 1, N = 113, Mage = 16.17) and extended contact experiences (Study 2, N = 174, Mage = 15.79) on assertive bystanders' behavioral intentions in the context of homophobic bullying, an under-researched but highly detrimental behavior that emerges mainly during early adolescence. Potential mediators (empathic concern, social contagion concerns, and masculinity/femininity threat) were also examined. Results showed that female younger participants revealed more behavioral intentions to help victims of homophobic bullying when asked to imagine an interaction with an outgroup member (Study 1). Younger participants revealed less masculinity/femininity threat in the positive extended contact condition, and female participants revealed less empathic concern in the negative extended contact condition (Study 2). Overall, these findings identify specific conditions (e.g., younger females) where indirect contact interventions (i.e., extended and imagined) are likely to have a stronger impact. Age and sex differences were found to illustrate how adolescents vary in their behavioral intentions, empathic concern, and threat; and also highlight the need to further examine age and sex differences regarding responses to homophobic bullying episodes.

Shame-Based Experiences of Homophobic Bullying and Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassionate Actions.

Homophobic experiences with traumatic characteristics related to shame are more frequent among sexual minority (SM) than heterosexual individuals. Concurrently, SM individuals present higher levels of psychopathology and transdiagnostic processes (e.g., shame) than heterosexual individuals. Self-compassion has been identified as a protective mechanism that counteracts the effects of shame. The current study aimed to analyse which components of self-compassion affect mental health and test the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between feelings of shame in traumatic homophobic bullying experiences (THBEs) and psychopathology indicators (depression, anxiety, and social anxiety symptoms). In this study, 190 Portuguese SM individuals (Mage = 28.3, SD = 7.5) completed self-report measures assessing traumatic experiences, self-compassion, and psychopathology. Data were explored with SPSS and AMOS. Regression analyses showed that internal shame felt during THBE and compassionate actions predicted psychopathology outcomes. Mediation analyses revealed that internal shame during a THBE had a significant indirect effect on all psychopathology outcomes through compassionate actions. In other words, internal shame during a THBE was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, and these relationships were partially mediated by compassionate actions. Our results reinforce the importance of developing compassionate actions towards the self as a possible protective factor for psychopathology among SM individuals.

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

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.

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.

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.

Measuring Bullying in Sexual Minorities: Testing Two Bullying Scales in an LGB Sample.

The working experience for those in the sexual minority is not well understood, particularly with respect to interpersonal mistreatment based on sexual orientation. This study breaks new ground by utilizing a sample of 416 LGB working adults to assess the relative usefulness of two bullying measures (the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (Person-Related) and the Homophobic Bullying Scale) to determine their convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity in predicting organizational commitment, turnover, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results show that discriminant and convergent validity exist between these scales and both measure similar levels of perceived bullying (from the victim's perspective). We concluded that although there are similarities and differences between these measures, more research is needed to determine the most appropriate instrument to assess perceived bullying in a sexual minority population. Several areas for subsequent research are noted.

Homophobic Bullying in Positive and Negative School Climates: The Moderating Role of Gender Sexuality Alliances.

The presence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools has been linked to low rates of bullying for lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning (LGBQ), transgender, and all students. However, little is known about how the heterogeneity in GSA functioning and school climates may affect these rates. This study examines whether a well-functioning GSA would limit the effect of a negative school climate as a risk factor for homophobic victimization experiences. The sample included 38,872 students (3401 LGBQ and 453 transgender) from 58 California high schools. Several independent databases were combined. Students reported on homophobic victimization, the school climate, and demographic information. At the school level, reports from all students were aggregated for school climate; reports from GSA members were aggregated on their perceptions of GSA functioning; publicly-available data were used for school characteristics. The results suggest that greater GSA functioning may be beneficial for all students in schools that have a negative school climate, and particularly protective for transgender students.

The Impact of Emotional Symptoms and Family Support on the Association Between Homophobic Bullying and Sedative/Hypnotic Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Sedative/hypnotic use and homophobic bullying have become a big mental health concern for gay and bisexual men. However, few studies have investigated the mediators and moderators of the association between them. The current study aimed to build a conceptual model to estimate the mediating effect of emotional symptoms and the moderating effect of family support on this association among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. A total of 500 gay or bisexual men were recruited for the study. Their history of homophobic bullying, their experience of sedative/hypnotic use, their perceived family support, and their current emotional symptoms were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires. A moderated mediation model was developed to test the mediating effect of emotional symptoms and the moderating effect of family support. A higher level of homophobic bullying was significantly associated with sedative/hypnotic use among gay and bisexual men and this was mediated by a higher severity of emotional symptoms. A moderating effect of family support was identified, wherein the mediating effect of emotional symptoms was weaker when there was a higher level of perceived family support, thus revealing the protective effect of family support. The significant impact of emotional symptoms and family support on the association between homophobic bullying and sedative/hypnotic use was identified. Timely interventions for emotional symptoms and the enhancement of family support are crucial for gay and bisexual men.

Mediating Effects of Emotional Symptoms on the Association between Homophobic Bullying Victimization and Problematic Internet/Smartphone Use among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan.

Problematic internet/smartphone use (PI/SU) and homophobic bullying has become a new type of mental health problem among sexual minorities. However, few studies have investigated the mediators of the association between these factors. We aimed to develop a model to estimate the mediating effect of emotional symptoms, including depression and anxiety, on this association among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. In total, 500 gay or bisexual men in early adulthood were recruited, and their histories of homophobic bullying victimization during childhood and adolescence, current severity of PI/SU, and current emotional symptoms were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires. A mediation model was developed to test the mediating effect of emotional symptoms on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and PI/SU. In total, 190 (38%) and 201 (40.2%) of the participants had experiences of traditional and cyber homophobic bullying victimization, respectively. A higher level of homophobic bullying victimization was significantly associated with a more severe level of PI/SU, and this was mediated by a higher severity of emotional symptoms. There was a significant effect of emotional symptoms on the association between homophobic bullying victimization and PI/SU. Timely interventions for emotional symptoms are necessary for gay and bisexual men, especially for those who are victims of homophobic bullying.

Factors Affecting Painkillers, Sedatives/Hypnotics, Nicotine, and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan.

Substance use has become a major health problem globally for sexual minorities. However, few studies have explored multi-dimensional factors associated with smoking, drinking, and prescription drug use. We aimed to investigate the factors affecting painkiller, sedative/hypnotic, nicotine and unhealthy alcohol use among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. We recruited 500 gay or bisexual men and assessed their experiences of using painkillers, sedatives/hypnotics, nicotine, alcohol and multi-dimensional factors with self-reported questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression with a forward stepwise model was used to verify the factors associated with substance use. Overall, 9.4%, 5.4%, and 13.8% of the participants reported using painkillers, sedatives/hypnotics, and nicotine, respectively, and 5.6% reported unhealthy alcohol use. Victims of traditional homophobic bullying in childhood and adolescence were more likely to report nicotine use, sedative/hypnotic use, and unhealthy alcohol use in early adulthood than non-victims. Missing classes or truancy at senior high school was associated with painkiller and sedative/hypnotic use in early adulthood. Traditional homophobic bullying and missing classes or truancy in childhood and adolescence predicted substance use in early adulthood among the gay and bisexual men in this study. Timely preventions and interventions for substance use are crucial for gay and bisexual men, especially for those who experience homophobic bullying and missing classes or truancy.

Multi-Dimensional Factors Associated with Illegal Substance Use Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan.

Illegal substance use in sexual minorities is an important health issue worldwide. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the multi-dimensional factors associated with illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan. This questionnaire-survey study recruited 500 gay or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years. Their experiences of using eight kinds of illegal substances in the preceding month were collected. Their previous experiences of homophobic bullying, satisfaction with academic performance, truancy, perceived family and peer support in childhood and adolescence, and social-demographic characteristics, were also collected. Potential factors associated with illegal substance use were identified using univariate logistic regression, and further selected into a forward stepwise logistic regression model to identify the factors most significantly related to illegal substance use. A total of 22 (4.4%) participants reported illegal substance use in the preceding month, and mean age was 22.9 ± 1.6. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that being victims of homophobic cyberbullying in childhood and adolescence (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26; p = 0.011), disclosure of sexual orientation at junior high school (OR = 4.67; p = 0.001), and missing classes or truancy in senior high school (OR = 2.52; p = 0.041) were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood. Multi-dimensional factors in childhood and adolescence that were significantly associated with illegal substance use in early adulthood among gay and bisexual men were identified. Besides traditional bullying, the effect of cyberbullying and school performance on illegal substance use should not be ignored. This study is limited to the cross-sectional design and possible recall bias. Mental health professionals must routinely assess these significant factors to prevent and intervene in illegal substance use among gay and bisexual men.

Prevalence and Psychosocial Predictors of Homophobic Victimization among Adolescents.

Bullying and discrimination seriously damage the development and health of adolescents with non-heteronormative sexual orientation. Adolescents from sexual minorities are more likely to be the object of bullying. This research aims to know more about the prevalence, frequency, and some associated factors and predictors of homophobic victimization in adolescents, depending on their sexual orientation. A total of 820 Secondary Schools students took part in this study (average age = 14.87; SD = 1.72; 48.3% were boys and 51.7% were girls) by filling in a self-report questionnaire. The results showed that adolescents suffer homophobic victimization, regardless of their sexual orientation; however, homosexuals and bisexuals suffered it more frequently than heterosexuals. Homophobic victimization could be associated-in heterosexuals and people with doubts about their sexual orientation, positively with bullying victimization, bullying aggression and cyberbullying aggression. Homophobic victimization could be predicted-in heterosexuals, positively due to self-depreciation, and negatively due to communication and relationship skills; and in homosexuals and bisexuals, positively, because of affective empathy. The results are discussed and new lines of study and intervention are proposed.

Systematic Development of a Dutch School-Based Sexual Prejudice Reduction Program: an Intervention Mapping Approach.

Experiences of sexual prejudice threaten the quality of life and psychological well-being of sexual minority youth. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of how we developed a theory- and evidence-based sexual prejudice reduction program suitable for the Dutch high school context, guided by the intervention mapping approach (IM). In line with IM, six steps were followed: an initial needs assessment in which empirical, theoretical, and new data were gathered to acquire a thorough understanding of the problem (step 1); the formulation of program objectives for both students and teachers (step 2); the selection of theory-based methods and applications (step 3); program development (step 4); the provision of an adoption and implementation plan (step 5); and the development of an evaluation plan (step 6). In conclusion, developing a sexual prejudice reduction program for schools is a challenging but feasible process. IM is an effective tool for the systematic (theory- and evidence-driven) development of such a program.

A homofobia como uma das faces do bullying: análise em periódicos científicos da Educação Física / Homofophobia as one of the faces of the bullying: in analysis in scientific newspapers of Physical Education / La homofobia como una de las caras del bullying: análisis em revistas de Educación Física

Considerando a incidência das questões de gênero nas escolas, as mais variadas formas de bullying e a alta expressividade desse fenômeno nas aulas de Educação Física escolar, tivemos como objetivo mapear artigos a respeito dessa temática em quatro periódicos da área, bem como sua possível relação com a homofobia ou bullying homofóbico. Estabelecemos algumas questões norteadoras, a saber: Com que intensidade os principais periódicos da Educação Física trazem artigos voltados para a discussão do bullying? Quais as principais características e os principais objetivos dessas investigações? Existem artigos que estabelecem relação entre o fenômeno bullying e a homofobia? O resultado encontrado assinala escassos os estudos sobre o bullying e a homofobia, sendo poucas também as estratégias possíveis de intervenção e alternativas para minimizar seus eventuais conflitos. Acerca da discussão sobre bullying homofóbico não foram encontrados resultados em nossa pesquisa.

Considering the incidence of gender issues at schools, the most different kinds of bullying and the high expressive incidence of this phenomenon happens in Physical Education classes. We established like thas ane objective to map articles about this thematic in four journals from Physical Education area. Said that, we tried to see a possible relation between the homophoby and the homophobic bullying throughout these journals. We established some guiding issues, for instance: How often do the main Physical Education journals bring overturned articles for discussion of bullying? What are the main characteristics and main objectives of these investigations? Are there articles that link bullying and homophobia? The result has pointed out that there are rare studies on bullying and homophobia, being few also are possible intervention strategies and alternatives to minimize possible conflicts. The discussion of homophobic bullying did not appear in any of our investigation.

Considerando la incidencia de las cuestiones de genero en las escuelas, las mas variadas formas de bullying y la alta expresividad de este fenómeno en las clases de Educación Física escolar, establecemos como objetivo mapear artículos al respecto de esta temática en cuatro periódicos del área de Educación Física bien como su posible relación con la homofobia o bullying homofóbico. Establecemos algunas cuestiones norteadoras: ¿Con que intesidad los principales periódicos de la Educación Física traen artículos volteados para la discusión del bullying? ¿Cuáles son las principales características y los objetivos principales de estas investigaciones? ¿Existen artículos que establecen relación entre el fenómeno bullying y la homofobia? El resultado encontrado señala escasos estudios sobre el bullying y homofobia, es muiy pocos las posibles estrategias de intervención y alternativas para minimizar los eventuales conflictos. La discusión de bullying homofóbico no presento resultados en nuestra investigación.

Study on homophobic bullying in Portugal using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) / Estudio sobre Bullying Homofóbico en Portugal con recurso al Análisis de Correspondencias Múltiples (ACM)

Educational institutions, as well as political, social and scientific discourses, have contributed towards discrimination and violence against people with non-normative sexual orientations. Acts of violence among peers (bullying) motivated by homophobia occur on a frequent basis in school contexts. This study aims to identify the patterns in which homophobic bullying (victim identified) takes place in Portuguese schools using Multiple Correspondence Analysis. This study involved the application of a questionnaire to people of both sexes before obtaining a total of 171 participants reporting themselves as victims of homophobic bullying in schools. Following the identification of eight indicators and the selection of two dimensions, while also structuring the axes in accordance with the representation space, four patterns of homophobic bullying could be identified: masculine violence, feminine violence, violence with less perceived impact, and violence with greater perceived impact. These different patterns have allowed us to learn about the different ways in which peer violence takes place in schools and its possible effects. Among the main study conclusions, it is highlighted how male participants were victims of violence at an earlier age than female participant victims. Another key finding is the complete lack of cases in which the aggressors were only female. Finally, a common conclusion to all participants, encapsulates how none of the victims reported the violence to their families for fear of losing family support by revealing a non-heterosexual orientation.

Las instituciones educativas, así como los discursos sociales, políticos y científicos, han contribuido a la discriminación y a la violencia contra las personas con orientaciones sexuales no normativas. Incluso en el contexto escolar suceden actos de violencia entre iguales (bullying) motivados por la homofobia. El estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los patrones en que ocurre el bullying homofóbico (identificado por las víctimas) en las escuelas portuguesas, recurriendo a un Análisis de Correspondencias Múltiples. Este estudio se basa en un cuestionario en línea realizado a personas de ambos sexos, hasta un total de 171 participantes que manifestaron haber sido víctimas de bullying homofóbico en las escuelas. Con la identificación de 8 indicadores y la selección de 2 dimensiones como ejes estructurales del espacio de las representaciones fue posible identificar 4 patrones del bullying homofóbico: la violencia en el masculino, la violencia en el femenino, la violencia con menor impacto percibido y la violencia con mayor impacto percibido. Estos patrones de diferentes características nos han permitido reconocer diferentes formas en que tiene lugar la violencia entre iguales en las escuelas y sus posibles efectos. Entre las principales conclusiones del estudio destaca el hecho de que los participantes de sexo masculino fueron víctimas de violencia en edades más tempranas, mientras que las participantes de sexo femenino fueron víctimas en edades más avanzadas. Otra conclusión principal devela que no existe ningún caso en el que los sujetos agresores fueran únicamente de sexo femenino. Una conclusión más, común a todos los patrones identificados, es que ninguna víctima contó la violencia sufrida a la familia, por temor a perder el apoyo familiar al revelar una orientación sexual no heterosexual.

The Schooling Experience of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth in lsrael: Falling Below and Rising Above as a Matter of Social Ecology.

Research on the schooling experience of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth in Israel and in other Western countries has been largely risk-focused, whereas extrinsic and intrinsic protective factors, which enable LGB adolescent students to cope with school homophobic bullying, are often overlooked. To address this shortcoming, the researchers conducted a qualitative study based on semistructured interviews with 20 LGB-identified secondary school students. The findings and implications emphasized the key role of adequate ecological protective factors for LGB youth in enhancing effective coping mechanisms in response to school homophobic bullying.

Intimidation homophobe, stratégies d'adaptation et intégration de l'orientation sexuelle / Homophobia, coping strategies, and sexual identity formation among LGBT youths

Cette étude examine l'impact de l'intimidation homophobe et des stratégies d'adaptation sur 6 dimensions de l'intégration de l'orientation sexuelle (OS) à partir d'un échantillon de 262 jeunes LGBT. Un modèle de régression linéaire a été réalisé pour chaque dimension, avec la victimisation homophobe et les stratégies d'adaptation comme principales variables indépendantes d'intérêt. La victimisation homophobe était associée à une plus faible affirmation de l'OS et à davantage d'homophobie/biphobie intériorisée, de préoccupations relatives au jugement d'autrui, de confusion identitaire, de dissimulation et de difficultés d'acceptation de l'OS. Les stratégies d'adaptation centrées sur la résolution de problèmes étaient associées à davantage de préoccupations relatives au jugement d'autrui alors que celles centrées sur l'évitement étaient associées à davantage de préoccupations relatives au jugement d'autrui et de difficulté d'acceptation de l'OS. Les résultats appuient l'importance de poursuivre la lutte à l'homophobie/biphobie et de mieux outiller les jeunes pour soutenir l'intégration positive de leur OS

Sexual minority youths (SMY) face challenges in consolidating their sexual identity because of heterosexism. The role of homophobic bullying and coping strategies in the formation of sexual identity has been explored within a convenient sample of 262 sexual minority youths. Six dimensions of sexual identity formation have been tested, independent variables being: homophobic bullying, coping strategies (avoidance and problem-solving), age, gender, migration trajectory, residency, sexual attraction and time elapsed since the realization of the sexual identity difference. Homophobic bullying was associated with a lower score of sexual identity affirmation and higher scores of identity concealment, internalized homo/bi-phobia, acceptance concern, identity uncertainty and process difficulty. Problem-solving coping strategies were associated with acceptance concerns. Avoidance coping strategies were associated with higher scores of acceptance concern and process difficulty in accepting non-heterosexual identity. Results confirm the importance of homo/bi-phobia prevention in order to help SMY in sexual identity consolidation

Intimidation homophobe, stratégies d’adaptation et intégration de l’orientation sexuelle / Homophobia, coping strategies, and sexual identity formation among LGBT youths

Cette étude examine l’impact de l’intimidation homophobe et des stratégies d’adaptation sur 6 dimensions de l’intégration de l’orientation sexuelle (OS) à partir d’un échantillon de 262 jeunes LGBT. Un modèle de régression linéaire a été réalisé pour chaque dimension, avec la victimisation homophobe et les stratégies d’adaptation comme principales variables indépendantes d’intérêt. La victimisation homophobe était associée à une plus faible affirmation de l’OS et à davantage d’homophobie/biphobie intériorisée, de préoccupations relatives au jugement d’autrui, de confusion identitaire, de dissimulation et de difficultés d’acceptation de l’OS. Les stratégies d’adaptation centrées sur la résolution de problèmes étaient associées à davantage de préoccupations relatives au jugement d’autrui alors que celles centrées sur l’évitement étaient associées à davantage de préoccupations relatives au jugement d’autrui et de difficulté d’acceptation de l’OS. Les résultats appuient l’importance de poursuivre la lutte à l’homophobie/biphobie et de mieux outiller les jeunes pour soutenir l’intégration positive de leur OS.(AU)

Sexual minority youths (SMY) face challenges in consolidating their sexual identity because of heterosexism. The role of homophobic bullying and coping strategies in the formation of sexual identity has been explored within a convenient sample of 262 sexual minority youths. Six dimensions of sexual identity formation have been tested, independent variables being: homophobic bullying, coping strategies (avoidance and problem-solving), age, gender, migration trajectory, residency, sexual attraction and time elapsed since the realization of the sexual identity difference. Homophobic bullying was associated with a lower score of sexual identity affirmation and higher scores of identity concealment, internalized homo/bi-phobia, acceptance concern, identity uncertainty and process difficulty. Problem-solving coping strategies were associated with acceptance concerns. Avoidance coping strategies were associated with higher scores of acceptance concern and process difficulty in accepting non-heterosexual identity. Results confirm the importance of homo/bi-phobia prevention in order to help SMY in sexual identity consolidation.(AU)

Correlates of bullying in Quebec high school students: The vulnerability of sexual-minority youth.

PURPOSE: Bullying has become a significant public health issue, particularly among youth. This study documents cyberbullying, homophobic bullying and bullying at school or elsewhere and their correlates among both heterosexual and sexual-minority high school students in Quebec (Canada). METHOD: A representative sample of 8194 students aged 14-20 years was recruited in Quebec (Canada) high schools. We assessed cyberbullying, homophobic bullying and bullying at school or elsewhere in the past 12 months and their association with current self-esteem and psychological distress as well as suicidal ideations. RESULTS: Bullying at school or elsewhere was the most common form of bullying (26.1%), followed by cyberbullying (22.9%) and homophobic bullying (3.6%). Overall, girls and sexual-minority youth were more likely to experience cyberbullying and other forms of bullying as well as psychological distress, low self-esteem and suicidal ideations. The three forms of bullying were significantly and independently associated with all mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results underscore the relevance of taking into account gender and sexual orientation variations in efforts to prevent bullying experience and its consequences.

[Homophobia, coping strategies, and sexual identity formation among LGBT youths]. / Intimidation homophobe, stratégies d'adaptation et intégration de l'orientation sexuelle.

Sexual minority youths (SMY) face challenges in consolidating their sexual identity because of heterosexism. The role of homophobic bullying and coping strategies in the formation of sexual identity has been explored within a convenient sample of 262 sexual minority youths. Six dimensions of sexual identity formation have been tested, independent variables being: homophobic bullying, coping strategies (avoidance and problem-solving), age, gender, migration trajectory, residency, sexual attraction and time elapsed since the realization of the sexual identity difference. Homophobic bullying was associated with a lower score of sexual identity affirmation and higher scores of identity concealment, internalized homo/bi-phobia, acceptance concern, identity uncertainty and process difficulty. Problem-solving coping strategies were associated with acceptance concerns. Avoidance coping strategies were associated with higher scores of acceptance concern and process difficulty in accepting non-heterosexual identity. Results confirm the importance of homo/bi-phobia prevention in order to help SMY in sexual identity consolidation.