Changes in Victimization Risk and Disparities for Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth: Trends From 2009 to 2017

Abstract

Purpose: To identify sex-stratified trends in victimization risk specific to heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth, while considering changes in sexual orientation-disparities from 2009 to 2017. Methods:Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data collected biennially (5 waves; 2009-2017) were pooled across 56 jurisdictions and 454,715 students for one of the most nationally representative samples of heterosexual and sexual minority youth to date. We analyzed a 7-item victimization risk assessment using the CDC's recommended trend analysis approach. We used logistic regression with year-by-identity interactions to test whether sexual orientation-based disparities widened, narrowed, or were maintained over time.Results: Victimization risk declined significantly for male and female bisexual and questioning youth, lesbian, gay, and heterosexual youth. Disparities narrowed between bisexual, questioning, and lesbian females and heterosexual females, and between bisexual and heterosexual males. Nevertheless, sexual orientation-based disparities remained significant for all sexual minority youth in 2017.Conclusions: Distinct patterns of change in victimization risk for specific groups of sexual minority youth underscore the need to consider variability within sexual minority youth

Future Directions in Understanding and Addressing Mental Health among LGBTQ Youth

“…In support of these ideas, several studies now document persistent trends in sexual orientation differences in mental health (Liu et al, 2020;Peter et al, 2017;Raifman et al, 2017), substance use (Fish & Baams, 2018;Fish, Turner et al, 2019;Fish et al, 2017), and the factors implicated in sexual minority health inequities (e.g., victimizations, family support; Watson et al, 2019;Poteat et al, 2020). At the same time, research on the developmental timing of sexual orientation and gender identity-related disparities in substance use (Fish & Russell, 2019a), mental health (Fish & Russell, 2019b;La Roi et al, 2016), and peer victimization (Martin-Storey & Fish, 2019;Mittleman, 2019;Fish & Russell, 2019b) demonstrate that these disparities emerge at early ages.…”

Q Chat Space: Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Internet-Based Support Program for LGBTQ Youth

“…Minority stress illustrates how stigma and discrimination impact the day-to-day experiences of sexual and gender minorities; how interpersonal discrimination, internalized anti-LGBTQ stigma, and structural forces disenfranchise LGBTQ people and create stress that compromises their mental health, wellbeing, and coping strategies (Goldbach & Gibbs, 2017 ; Meyer, 2003 ). Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of bullying and peer harassment (Toomey & Russell, 2016 ), violence and victimization (Johns et al, 2018 , 2019 ; Poteat et al, 2020 ), and family rejection (Ryan et al, 2009 ). These experiences contribute to LGBTQ youths’ poorer mental health (Fish et al, 2020a ; Russell & Fish, 2016 ), higher rates of substance misuse (Goldbach et al, 2014 ), and sexual and reproductive health concerns (Saewyc, 2014 ).…”

“…LGBTQ youth experience poorer mental, behavioral, and sexual health than their heterosexual and cisgender peers (Russell & Fish, 2016 ; Saewyc, 2014 ). Despite a growing acceptance of LGBTQ youth and policy changes aimed at protecting them, studies suggest that disparities in mental health, substance use, and victimization have remained relatively stable over the past 15 years (Fish et al, 2019a , b ; Poteat et al, 2020 ; Raifman et al, 2020 ). This persistence emphasizes the need for broader prevention and intervention efforts to address LGBTQ youth’s unique developmental and health needs.…”

Differential Decline in Illicit Drug Use by Sexual Identity Among United States High School Students, 2005–2017

“…Fortunately, prior study has illuminated potential intervention pathways. Victimization among youth-which is especially common among SMY, 34 and which may contribute to experiences of minority stress, 35 has been regularly linked to increased levels of alcohol and drug use in both sexual minority and sexual majority populations. 8,[36][37][38] Conversely, one of the most powerful protective factors available to sexual minority adolescents is a supportive school, social, and home environment.…”