Research suggests that LGBTQ+ adolescents are more likely to experience mental health difficulties compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The minority stress theory has been proposed to explain this, suggesting that chronic stress from prejudice, identity concealment, and internalized queerphobia contributes to worse mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, previous research in this area has limitations, such as a lack of focus on gender identity and a tendency to make binary comparisons.
Marquez and colleagues addressed these limitations by analyzing data on sexuality and gender, as well as non-binary gender identities, within the framework of three different wellbeing approaches: hedonic, eudaimonic, and complete state. Their study used data from the #BeeWell study, which included a large sample of 12-to-15-year-olds in Greater Manchester. They found consistent inequalities in wellbeing across sexual and gender identities, with LGBTQ+ adolescents experiencing lower wellbeing scores compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.
Notably, non-binary adolescents had the lowest wellbeing scores compared to boys, bisexual/pansexual and gay/lesbian adolescents had lower scores compared to heterosexual adolescents, and transgender adolescents had lower scores compared to cisgender adolescents. These inequalities were greater than those related to age, socio-economic status, special educational needs, and ethnicity.
The study’s strengths include a large and representative sample, as well as a comprehensive approach to wellbeing. However, limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the data and a lack of investigation into the mechanisms behind these inequalities. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs to understand the sustained impact of these disparities and explore potential causal pathways. Additionally, including adolescents across different developmental stages and investigating mediating factors can provide a more nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ wellbeing. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving interventions and support for LGBTQ+ adolescents.
