Family acceptance and support help GLBT youth thrive

The Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing published a study titled “Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults.”

The study shows that specific parental and caregiver behaviors – such as advocating for their children when they are mistreated because of their sexual orientation or supporting their gender expression – protect against depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in early adulthood.

In addition, LGBT youth with accepting families have significantly higher levels of self-esteem and social support in young adulthood.

R&D Mag says despite all the recent attention to health risks and disparities for LGBT youth, prior to this study, little was known about how families express acceptance and support for their LGBT children.