The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas
The stigma experienced by LGBTQIA+ youth in middle school and high school is commonly linked to poor mental health and academic success, but little is known about its potential long-term impact. It was hypothesized that stigma levels would differ based on geographical location, with rural youth expe...
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MDPI AG
2024-09-01
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| Series: | Youth |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/4/87 |
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| author | Erin Stevenson Gregory R. Sandman James McGinn |
| author_facet | Erin Stevenson Gregory R. Sandman James McGinn |
| author_sort | Erin Stevenson |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The stigma experienced by LGBTQIA+ youth in middle school and high school is commonly linked to poor mental health and academic success, but little is known about its potential long-term impact. It was hypothesized that stigma levels would differ based on geographical location, with rural youth experiencing higher stigma levels compared to urban youth. This IRB-approved exempt research design collected anonymous survey data from college students at a mid-south public university. The sample included a total of 94 respondents, with 63 from rural areas and 31 from urban areas. Experiences of internalized, enacted, and perceived stigma were assessed with rating scales. No statistically significant differences were found between rural and urban youth, with both groups reporting high levels of internalized, enacted, and perceived stigma. Rural youth reported experiencing more discrimination or attacks at school and fewer LGBTQIA+ school resources but slightly higher family support. Urban youth were more likely to be out to family members and felt safer at school. Comparatively, more rural youth reported experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in the past 30 days than urban youth. A moderate correlation was found between perceived and internalized stigma. This study provides insight into the pervasive nature of LGBTQIA+ stigma, regardless of geographical location. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cf0a45538e7f483cbef63c9f1aee2ea1 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-995X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Youth |
| spelling | doaj-art-cf0a45538e7f483cbef63c9f1aee2ea12025-08-20T02:56:58ZengMDPI AGYouth2673-995X2024-09-01441374138610.3390/youth4040087The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban AreasErin Stevenson0Gregory R. Sandman1James McGinn2Department of Social Work, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475, USADepartment of Clinical Therapeutic Programs, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475, USADepartment of Clinical Therapeutic Programs, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475, USAThe stigma experienced by LGBTQIA+ youth in middle school and high school is commonly linked to poor mental health and academic success, but little is known about its potential long-term impact. It was hypothesized that stigma levels would differ based on geographical location, with rural youth experiencing higher stigma levels compared to urban youth. This IRB-approved exempt research design collected anonymous survey data from college students at a mid-south public university. The sample included a total of 94 respondents, with 63 from rural areas and 31 from urban areas. Experiences of internalized, enacted, and perceived stigma were assessed with rating scales. No statistically significant differences were found between rural and urban youth, with both groups reporting high levels of internalized, enacted, and perceived stigma. Rural youth reported experiencing more discrimination or attacks at school and fewer LGBTQIA+ school resources but slightly higher family support. Urban youth were more likely to be out to family members and felt safer at school. Comparatively, more rural youth reported experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in the past 30 days than urban youth. A moderate correlation was found between perceived and internalized stigma. This study provides insight into the pervasive nature of LGBTQIA+ stigma, regardless of geographical location.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/4/87internalized stigmaenacted stigmaperceived stigmaqueer youthLGBTQIA+school environment |
| spellingShingle | Erin Stevenson Gregory R. Sandman James McGinn The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas Youth internalized stigma enacted stigma perceived stigma queer youth LGBTQIA+ school environment |
| title | The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas |
| title_full | The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas |
| title_fullStr | The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas |
| title_short | The Role of Stigma in LGBTQIA+ Youth in Rural and Urban Areas |
| title_sort | role of stigma in lgbtqia youth in rural and urban areas |
| topic | internalized stigma enacted stigma perceived stigma queer youth LGBTQIA+ school environment |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/4/87 |
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