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01-10-2010 | Empirical Research

Acculturation Strategies and Mental Health in Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth

Auteurs: Nele Cox, Wim Vanden Berghe, Alexis Dewaele, John Vincke

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence | Uitgave 10/2010

Abstract

In this article, we examine the impact of acculturation strategies on minority stress and mental health in lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) youth in Flanders, Belgium. Building on previous identity minority studies and on the social stress model, we investigate how LGB youth acculturate within both the LGB subculture and mainstream society and how this correlates with their mental health. Our sample is taken from an online survey and represents 561 LGB youth aged 14 through 21. The four traditional acculturation strategies are represented in this population (integration, separation, marginalization, assimilation). Bisexual boys are mostly absent from separation and integration strategies; gay and lesbian youth in middle adolescence are significantly more represented in the separation strategy compared to their late adolescence counterparts. Further, our findings suggest the relevance of identification with the LGB community, especially for internalized negative attitudes toward homosexuality. LGB youth who identify with the LGB community score significantly lower on this internalized homonegativity.

vorige artikel Sexual Orientation, Parental Support, and Health During the Transition to Young Adulthood

volgende artikel Early Adolescent Sexual Initiation and Physical/Psychological Symptoms: A Comparative Analysis of Five Nations

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Titel: Acculturation Strategies and Mental Health in Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth
Auteurs: Nele Cox
Wim Vanden Berghe
Alexis Dewaele
John Vincke
Publicatiedatum: 01-10-2010
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Youth and Adolescence / Uitgave 10/2010
Print ISSN: 0047-2891
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-6601
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-009-9435-7

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