LGBTQ+ Youth Identity Disclosure Processes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Disclosure is a complex social process that can have a profound impact on LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing. Disclosure involves decision-making, interpersonal events, mediating processes, and psychosocial outcomes, but there is no review that considers disclosure as a developmental, multi-component process across contexts for LGBTQ+ youth. Guided by the disclosure process model, LGBTQ+ youth disclosure literature was systematically reviewed and synthesized. Methods: After screening 5,433 articles, 29 studies were identified that investigated identity-disclosure processes among LGBTQ+ youth (aged 26 or younger). Included articles were reviewed for disclosure process components, individual and contextual factors that shape disclosure, and bias. Results: Studies examining the disclosure decision making process focused more on avoidance goals (e.g., fear of rejection, LGBTQ+ stigma) than approach goals (e.g., find belonging, authenticity) for disclosure. Reactions to disclosures were most often mixed, with initial reactions characterized as negative and then becoming more positive over time. Mental health is the most studied outcome of disclosure. Additionally, disclosure processes appear to be shaped by disclosure recipients, social context, and cultural beliefs. Conclusions: Research on LGBTQ+ youth disclosure is accelerating and increasingly examines disclosure goals and disclosure outcomes. LGBTQ+ youth identity disclosure is a complex, developmental process that extends over time and across multiple contexts. Future research should include study of disclosure content, longitudinal change, and dyadic processes.