Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Research in Canada and the United States over the past decade has found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth experience higher rates of health disparities relative to their heterosexual peers. However, most samples are so small that participants must be analyzed in aggregate as a monolithic sexual minority group. When considering protective factors that may mitigate health disparities of LGB youth, the role that interpersonal relationships are poorly understood. For example, previous research on family has been contradictory in explaining the role of parent support for sexual minorities' well-being. In addition, very little research has explored the role of same-sex romantic partnerships for youth; same-sex romantic partnerships remain stigmatized in North America, yet some literature suggests that these partnerships may be protective. The project aims are to a) investigate how parents and romantic partnerships mediate health outcomes (such as depression) for LGB adolescents over time, b) identify which aspects of parent and partner relationships are most protective, and c) identify LGB subgroup differences by disaggregating the sexual minority subsample using population level representative data in British Columbia. Based on previous literature, I hypothesize that mother support (specifically, care and warmth) will be most important for gay males whereas father support (specifically, closeness) will be most important for bisexual and lesbian females. The findings from this project have the potential to shape parent, partner, and community interventions that promote better psychosocial experiences for LGB youth. The results may also inform the practice of mental health professionals and school counselors to effectively work with LGB youth and their families.