Effects of homophobic name‐calling and verbal sexual harassment on substance use among young adults

Abstract

Verbal aggression victimization, such as homophobic name‐calling, has been linked to heavier substance use among young people, but little longitudinal research has examined how different types of victimization may affect substance use or whether certain psychosocial factors moderate these risks. In a diverse cohort (N = 2,663), latent transition analysis was used to model heterogeneity in victimization (age 19) and substance use (age 20). Four victimization (high victimization, homophobic name‐calling only, verbal sexual harassment only, and low victimization) and three substance use (poly‐substance use, alcohol, and cannabis only, low all) classes were identified. The high victimization and homophobic name‐calling only classes had the highest probabilities of transitioning into the poly‐substance use class, and the high victimization class had the highest probability of transitioning into the alcohol and cannabis only class. The probability of transitioning into the low all substance use class was highest in the low victimization class and lowest in the high victimization class. For the high victimization class, greater depressive symptoms increased the odds, and better peer relationship quality decreased the odds, of transitioning into the poly‐substance use and alcohol and cannabis only classes. For the homophobic name‐calling only class, greater depressive symptoms increased the odds of transitioning into the poly‐substance use class. Homophobic name‐calling, alone or in combination with verbal sexual harassment, is a risk factor for escalating substance use in young adulthood, especially among victims with depressive symptoms.

Prevalence of sexual harassment among young Spaniards before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown period in Spain

“…Although it is a recurring public health problem over the years, recently, thanks to published information on reported cases, there is evidence that the risk of being subjected to SH among young adult women below the age of 30 is becoming a threatening matter due to its alarming prevalence (38% in the European Union) in comparison with 24% observed in older population groups. The negative social and health consequences of SH, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, a feeling of being unsafe in public spaces, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts and attempts have also been registered among young adults and adolescents, with these consequences being worse in the case of women and members of the LGBT community, regardless of their migrant status or ethnic background [ 9 , 33 ].…”

Do Recent Experiences of Sexual Violence and Co-Occurring Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Predict Poorer Functioning One Year Later During the Transition to Young Adulthood?

“…Thus, prevention of SV in all forms (assaults and harassment), coupled with greater access to mental health care during early adulthood, appear important to prevent poorer functioning in young adulthood. In particular, social support and social health appear to be crucial factors that should be incorporated into treatment planning (Davis, Tucker, et al, 2019; Kennedy & Prock, 2018; Relyea & Ullman, 2015). Primary care providers, mental health specialists, teachers, and law enforcement can encourage young people who disclose SV victimization to seek services that address both SV experiences and mental health, while also helping them obtain needed social support to help mitigate negative outcomes in the long term.…”

“…The high prevalence rates of SV among adolescents and young adults is concerning for many reasons, including the significant problems in functioning that can follow experiences of SV (Campbell et al, 2009; Davis, Tucker, et al, 2019). For example, studies show that individuals who have experienced SV victimization are at risk for long-term behavioral health problems such as substance use consequences (e.g., driving after drinking), worsening psychological disorders (Bennice et al, 2003), problems with physical functioning, and poor relationship functioning (Eom et al, 2014; Jina & Thomas, 2013; Ullman et al, 2013).…”

Developing and Validating a Scale for Measuring Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

“…Young females are likely to be harassed than other females (e.g. Gutek, 1985;Kamal & Tariq, 1997;Davis, Tucker, Dunbar, Pedersen & D'Amico, 2021). The research bridges a gap in knowledge in relation to the status and experience of female faculty members in higher education in the context of developing countries, e.g.…”