Protective Factors for LGBTI+ Youth Wellbeing: A Scoping Review Underpinned by Recognition Theory

Nerilee Ceatha, Aaron C. C. Koay, Conor Buggy, Oscar James, Louise Tully, Marta Bustillo and Des Crowley
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Nerilee Ceatha: School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Aaron C. C. Koay: Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Conor Buggy: School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Oscar James: Independent Researcher, Dublin, Ireland
Louise Tully: School of Physiotherapy, Division of Population Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
Marta Bustillo: UCD Library, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Des Crowley: School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-50

Abstract: Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a consequence of societal and individual prejudice, stigma and discrimination. Far less research has focussed on protective factors that promote wellbeing for this population. A scoping review was conducted using a six-stage methodological framework, and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR statement. This explored the extent, range and nature of the peer-reviewed, published, academic literature on what is known about the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. Six databases were systematically searched applying Population–Concept–Context key inclusion criteria, complemented by contact with authors to identify additional sources, reference checks and hand searches. Ninety-six individual research records were identified and analysed, drawing from Honneth’s Recognition Theory. Interpersonal relations with parents ( n = 40), peers ( n = 32) and providers ( n = 22) were associated with indicators of enhanced wellbeing, as were LGBTI+ community relations ( n = 32). Importantly, online ( n = 10), faith ( n = 10) and cultural ( n = 5) communities were potentially protective. Content and thematic analysis highlighted the importance of Gay–Straight Alliances (GSAs) ( n = 23) offering powerful protective opportunities through intersecting interpersonal, community and legal forms of recognition. GSAs enhance allyship by peers and providers ( n = 21), facilitate access to LGBTI+ community networks ( n = 11) and co-exist alongside inclusive policies ( n = 12), curricular ( n = 5) and extracurricular activities ( n = 1). This scoping review underscores the need to move beyond the predominant focus on risk factors for LGBTI+ youth, which subsequently inform protectionist approaches. It concludes with an appeal to develop mechanisms to apply recognitive justice to policy, practice and, importantly, future research directions. This emphasises the salience of enhanced understandings of inclusion, which is rights-based, universally available and of potential benefit to all.

Keywords: youth; LGBTI+; wellbeing; Recognition Theory; scoping review; protective factors; sexual minority youth (SMY); gender minority youth (GMY); diverse sex development; intersex (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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