Verbal and physical abuse as stressors in the lives of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual youths: Associations with school problems, running away, substance abuse, prostitution, and suicide.

Abstract

A common theme identified in empirical studies and clinical reports of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual youths is the chronic stress that is created by the verbal and physical abuse they receive from peers and adults. This article reviews the verbal and physical abuse that threatens the well-being and physical survival of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual youths. This response to gay male, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents by significant others in their environment is often associated with several problematic outcomes, including school-related problems, running away from home, conflict with the law, substance abuse, prostitution, and suicide. Although the causal link between these stressors and outcomes has not been scientifically established, there is suggestive evidence that these outcomes are consequences of verbal and physical harassment.

Perpetrators of early physical and sexual abuse among homeless and runaway adolescents

“…Martin & Hetrick, 1988;Remafedi, 1987). Once their sexuality has been revealed, they are at risk of abuse and in some cases, may be forced to leave home (Savin-Williams, 1994).…”

Psychosocial health problems increase risk for HIV among urban young men who have sex with men: Preliminary evidence of a syndemic in need of attention

“…Rates of mental illness among YMSM are difficult to estimate because sexual orientation has not been assessed in major epidemiological studies of youth mental health. However, data from non-representative samples of youth show high rates of psychosocial stressors, such as verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, which are correlated with depression, suicidality, and risktaking behaviors (17)(18)(19). One study with a representative school-based sample found that selfidentified non-heterosexual male youth were significantly more likely (odds ratio = 3.74) to have reported a recent suicide attempt than their heterosexual peers (20).…”

“…The report by Stall and colleagues (25) is one exception, however their sample primarily included adult MSM (i.e. only 20% were ages [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. This study builds on previous syndemic research by examining a set of psychosocial health problems among YMSM, and testing the presence and impact of the combination of these variables on HIV risk.…”

Criminal-Justice and School Sanctions Against Nonheterosexual Youth: A National Longitudinal Study

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] It is not surprising that nonheterosexual adolescents experience high rates of depression and suicide. 3,9,[11][12][13] In addition, they are more likely than other adolescents to engage in high-risk sexual and substance-use behaviors, to carry weapons (often as a precaution against assault), and to engage in petty survival crimes because of homelessness. 2,3,5,11,[14][15][16][17][18][19] These activities place nonheterosexual adolescents at risk for school and criminal-justice sanctions.…”