Parental Support Crucial for LGBTQ Youth's Mental Health

Parental support is a crucial part of the mental health of LGBTQ youth.

Researchers from the University of Texas in Austin recently published a study in Child Development that examines the relationship between parental social support and psychological control and depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth in the United States.

The new study has shown that parental support and positive parenting practices that their caregivers are showing affect tremendously when it comes to the youth's mental health and well-being.

Importance of parental support to LGBTQ youth

As per EurekAlert, adolescence can be a stressful and sensitive period for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

These individuals are more likely to struggle with depression and other mental health issues than their heterosexual, cisgender peers.

However, this stage of life also presents opportunities to provide the support that may prevent or alleviate mental health symptoms, doing good parenting practices and support crucial for all adolescents.

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, parental support can significantly impact the mental health of LGBTQ youth.

The study found that LGBTQ youth who felt greater social support from their parents tended to have fewer depressive symptoms. This support can come in many forms, such as listening, offering guidance, and validating the youth's identity.

On the other hand, the study also found that LGBTQ youth who experienced greater psychological control from their parents had more depressive symptoms.

Psychological control refers to parents' attempts to intrude into their child's psychological and emotional development, such as by trying to control their thoughts, emotions, and self-expression.

Furthermore, for those LGBTQ youth whose parents were unaware of their LGBTQ identity, having high psychological control and high social support from their parents was linked with more significant depressive symptoms.

According to Youth Gov, this indicates that the support of parents is crucial. The acceptance and support of families are significant elements that contribute to the well-being and protection of all adolescents, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Parenting practices matter for the well-being of LGBTQ youth

The importance of parenting practices in shaping the well-being of LGBTQ youth is highlighted in the research.

In particular, psychological control is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in this population, although it is often overlooked in studies.

This underlines the importance of examining the impact of different parenting practices on LGBTQ youth's mental health.

The research also highlights the complexity of parenting experiences for LGBTQ youth, especially those who may not have come out to their parents yet.

The findings show that such youth are more likely to experience psychological control from their parents, which can lead to higher rates of depressive symptoms.

According to Newswise, Amy McCurdy, a postdoctoral scholar at The University of Texas at Austin, pointed out that research on parental acceptance and rejection has already led to important initiatives that have improved the well-being of LGBTQ youth.

By promoting positive parenting practices, the well-being of all adolescents can be supported, including that of sexual and gender minority youth.

However, more work is needed to understand better how parenting practices can support positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth.

Advancing the current information on the links between parenting practices and youth well-being could provide insights into risk and resilience mechanisms and ultimately lead to better support for sexual and gender minority youth during their adolescence.

Therefore, it is important for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to understand the unique experiences of LGBTQ youth and to adopt practices that promote their well-being.