The interplay of familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific family rejection on LGBTQ+ adolescents' self-esteem. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meanley, Steven; Flores, Dalmacio D.; Listerud, Louis; Chang, Cindy J.; Feinstein, Brian A.; Watson, Ryan J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 93(2021)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Sexual and gender minority youth -- Mental health -- Family acceptance -- Minority stress -- Resilience; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Our study sought to assess the interplay of family dynamics, namely familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific rejection, and its association to self-esteem in a non-probabilistic sample of LGBTQ+ adolescents in the United States. Methods: Stratified by (1) cisgender and (2) transgender and non-binary LGBTQ+ adolescents ( N = 8774), we tested multivariable regression analyses to assess the association between familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific family rejection, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. We then conducted a sub-analysis with LGBTQ+ adolescents who reported being out to any family member about their LGBTQ+ identity; specifically, we tested a series of multivariable regression models to assess whether levels of LGBTQ+ specific family rejection attenuated the association between familial warmth and self-esteem. Results: Full sample models indicated a positive association between familial warmth and self-esteem. Findings from our sub-analysis indicated that familial warmth remained positively linked to self-esteem and family rejection was negatively associated with self-esteem. Family rejection was a statistically significant moderator, attenuating the association between familial warmth and self-esteem. With respect to being out about one's sexual orientation, these findings were robust across gender stratification groups. Conclusions: Families of origin serve as sources of stress and resilience for LGBTQ+ adolescents. Our findings contribute support to arguments that familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific rejection are not mutually-exclusive experiences among LGBTQ+ adolescents. We provide recommendations for multilevel interventions to leverage activities that support positive family dynamics and self-esteem among LGBTQ+ adolescents.