Long‐Term Outcomes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Recalled School Victimization

Abstract

The authors examined relationships among recalled and current bullying, shame‐focused coping, and fear of negative evaluation in an adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) sample. Findings indicated that attack self, withdrawal, and attack other shame‐focused coping fully mediated the relationship between recalled bullying and fear of negative evaluation. Fear of negative evaluation and current bullying victimization were predicted by shame‐focused coping. Findings suggested the importance of addressing histories of school‐related bullying and shame‐focused coping when counseling LGBT persons.

Men’s Reflections on Their Experiences of Gender-Based Violence

“…They were bullied due to their femininity, interests, lack of athleticism, respect for females, emotional expressiveness, and interpersonal style. Consistent with extant literature (e.g., D’Augelli et al, 2006; Friedman et al, 2008; Greene et al, 2014; Singh et al, 2014; Toomey et al, 2010), the male participants described that they experienced GBV in environments where the social pressure to conform to stereotypical, masculine behaviors was prevalent. Furthermore, in line with other studies (e.g., Birkett et al, 2009; Rivers, 2000, 2004; Swearer et al, 2008; Williams et al, 2005), results indicated that participants experienced various forms of violence, including verbal harassment, physical violence, sexual violence, and social exclusion.…”

“…The social pressure to conform to gender stereotypes typically begins in early childhood; by preschool, children understand gender categories and begin to experience the social pressure to conform to the category and assume the characteristics associated with their biological sex (Grossman & D’Augelli, 2006; Yunger, Carver, & Perry, 2004). Studies have shown that individuals who are gender nonconforming are more likely to be the victims of bullying, facing severe consequences to their physical and psychological well-being (D’Augelli, Grossman, & Starks, 2006; Friedman, Koeske, Silvestre, Korr, & Sites, 2006; Greene, Britton, & Fitts, 2014; Singh, Meng, & Hansen, 2014). As well, research that investigated retrospective accounts of gender-based bullying during adolescence demonstrated that these experiences can have consequences lasting into adulthood, including psychosocial adjustment, depression (Friedman, Marshal, Stall, Cheong, & Wright, 2008; Toomey, Ryan, Diaz, Card, & Russell, 2010), posttraumatic stress disorder (D’Augelli et al, 2006), and social anxiety (Greene et al, 2014).…”

Victimization and depressive symptomology in transgender adults: The mediating role of avoidant coping.

“…For example, mental health professionals might help transgender individuals who have experienced victimization understand how these experiences contribute to avoidant coping behaviors and workshop strategies to help transgender clients to better navigate anticipated or enacted victimization in order to avoid the potential onset of depressive distress (Brown, Hernandez, & Villarreal, 2011; Pachankis, 2009, 2014). Finally, transgender individuals may also benefit from individual or group-based self-affirmation interventions that help individuals who have been victimized manage the fear of future mistreatment by realizing they have the skills and strengths to prevent or manage these experiences through less avoidant means (Foa & Kozak, 1986; Greene, Britton, & Fitts, 2014; Leichsenring, Beutel, & Leibing, 2007; Resick & Schnicke, 1992). Additionally, empowerment interventions (Zimmerman, 1995), such as the ESTEEM intervention for young gay and bisexual men (Pachankis, Hatzenbuehler, Rendina, Safren, & Parsons, 2015) have effectively reduced the negative emotional and behavioral consequences of stigma to improve mental health.…”

Promoting Mental Health among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning Youth: Implications for Practice

“…These negative effects last well into adulthood, particularly for students of color [23,53,54]. The intersection of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation puts students at higher risk for peer victimization [55].…”