Date: Fri, 4 Aug 1995 06:42:32 -0800 From: jessea@uclink2.berkeley.edu (Jessea NR Greenman) Subject: Research Article Synopses: Lit Review Results Dear Readers, You may recall that on May 6, 1995, we put out a call to you for research information. We had met the day before with officials in the California State Dept. of Ed. regarding inclusion of LGBT information in health education materials. They've "got it" re HIV/AIDS and youth suicide but don't yet have sufficient information in their hands to include us in materials educating young people about drug, alcohol, and tobacco use; nor re dropping out of school, nor re running away from home, nor re ...etc. etc. They don't believe that queer youth form significant parts of those populations and need information addressed to their specific needs re esteem, identity. We asked you for information/citations to remedy the officials' lack both of such information and any commitment to employing their own resources to obtain such information. Many of you provided helpful citations or sent actual articles, etc. Many of you also asked that we post the results back to you, which is what we are now doing. What follows is a compendium of brief reviews of literature relevant to demonstrating that LGBT youth experience high rates of drug/tobacco/alcohol use, dropping out of school, running away from home, etc. AND to connect these to homophobia and the now fairly well-accepted statistics regarding LGBT youth suicide. This review thus should be useful to those wishing to persuade government and private agencies and entities to provide education and support specifically tailored to the needs of LGBT youth around these issues. General prevention programs around these issues apparently FAIL to get through to LGBT youth, as witnessed by their continuing high rates of suicide, substance abuse, HIV infection, and school problems. LGBT specific education needs to be INCORPORATED INTO "mainstream" education programs, so that LGBT youth are not asked to "out" themselves in order to benefit from such education. The report was compiled by Katie Laird, who can be reached at . Please note that, unfortunately, we are NOT able to send out copies of the actual articles. We provide the citations so that you can look them up and access them yourselves. By Katie Laird Verbal and Physical Abuse as Stressors in the Lives of Lesbian, Gay Male and Bisexual Youths. Ritch C. Savin-Williams.Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology. April, 1994 -Most stressful aspect is coming out to others or being discovered by others because of classmates' homophobia. -Previous research has a sampling bias because it has been mostly male, and mostly troubled youth who have saught help/social services. -In this research, a causal link between running away, dropping out, etc and peer harassment/abuse has not been established. -The most frequent abusers are fellow teens. -Outcomes associated with harassment: school related problems, runaway and homelessness, conflict with law/substance abuse, prosititution, suicide. -The major problem with any of these studies is that only people who are out can be studied, and they are the anomoly, not the norm. ---------- The Impact of Victimization on the Mental Health and Suicidality of Lesbian, Gay Male and Bisexual Youths. Scott L. Hershberger & Anthony R. D'Augelli. Developmental Psychology. Vol. 31, No.1 This study seems to be on the fringe of what we need. It talks more about the importance of family but of course also presents date on victimization which is important. It really doesn't address the issue of school per se. -40% of sample experienced physical violence. -Victimization compromises mental health. -12% of mothers and 18% of fathers rejected their children because of their sexuality. -41% had experienced strong negative reactions from friends. -Family support and self-acceptance influence victimization and mental health. -Support from other lesbians/gay men and nonjudgemental heterosexuals is critical for development and acceptance of identity. -Participants obtained from gay and lesbian community centers -Family support acts as a buffer against the deleterious effects of victimization. -Low percentage of females in sample. -Single largest predictor of mental health was self-acceptance. ---------- School Climate for Gay and Lesbian Students and Staff Members. John D. Anderson. Phi Delta Kappan. October, 1994 -Homophobia is about ignorance and myths. -There are many prominent gay and lesbian people who should be used as role models. -In 1991, the Connecticut Board of Education's "Equity Newsletter" published 9 suggestions on making a better school environment for gay and lesbian youth. -Massachussetts created the Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, whose recommendations include: training for teachers about gay and lesbian issues, support groups, anti-discrimination clauses, and curriculum reform. -This author offers 5 suggestions: *Professional development--we need to educate ourselves *Support staff and services-- ie- nurse, guidance counselors, psychologist--should be educated about gay and lesbian issues. *Sexuality in the health curriculum--not just in the context of AIDS *Library--should have information, booklists and positive media attention to gay and lesbian issues. *Curriculum--only demands education of staff. The critical word is inclusion. -Lists good resources. ---------- The At-Risk Kids Schools Ignore. Del Stover. The Executive Educator. March, 1992 -Gay students are an at-risk population -They run away, are thrown out by parents, are at high risk for suicide -40% of street youth in Seattle identified as gay or bisexual -High risk for unprotected sexual experimentation -Professionals aren't trained to deal with the issue -Fear of tackling a controversial issue. -A national taskforce does not address the individual principal or teacher who has to deal with the parents, the community and the day to day. -Start by ensuring a safe space for gay and lesbian students--protect them from verbal and physical abuse. -Look at Project 10 and the Harvey Milk School as examples. -Provide counseling. ---------- Violence Against Lesbian and Gay Male Youths. Joyce Hunter. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. September, 1990 -Data collected from intake interviews at Hetrick-Martin Institute -Interviews of 500 youths--mean age=17 -40% reported violent physical attacks -Of those reporting violent physical attacks, 46% said is was gay-related. -Many of the violent incidents happened at home. -Suicide attempts frequent among this group. -Data limited to physical (not verbal/emotional) attacks -Schools must provide a safe environment ---------- A Developmental, Clinical Perspective on Lesbian, Gay Male and Bisexual Youths. Ritch Savin-Williams & Richard Rodriguez. (Chapter in book) -Homosexuality in textbooks often fits right in between AIDS and self-stimulation--not afforded proper time/space. -Assumptions of heterosexuality in Developmental Psychology Journals. -Social science literature focuses on homosexual behavior as opposed to gay identity. SEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND SEXUAL IDENTITY: -it is becoming easier to identify as gay -because of that, though, it is more difficult to ignore homoerotic inclinations -age of coming out is falling -survey of high school juniors and seniors found less than 1% with a gay, lesbian or bisexual identity, but up to 6.4% reported homosexual attractions or behavior. -less than 30% of those engaging in homosexual acts identified as homosexual. COMING OUT TO SELF: -difficult research dilemma--would need a large longitudinal study -initial awareness is about being different, feeling isolated -process may span 10-11 years. SELF-DEVALUATION AND STIGMATIZATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY: -incorporating society's negative emotions/homophobia -passing--hiding one's sexual identity -self-devaluation may lead to increased risk for drug abuse, suicide, preganancy and HIV infection SEXUAL IDENTITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH: -revealing one's identity only to "safe"others may prevent the painful ridicule. -all researchers argue for change in cultural attitudes and policies, but few have optimism about change. -retrospective research shows positive association between coming out and feelings of self-worth -acknowledgement of sexual orientation at an early age correlated with high self-esteem for lesbians (not necessarily same for gay/bisexual men). MULTICULTURALISM AND GAY YOUTHS: -gay youths of color may be ina perplexing position, but also have two sources of support--gay and ethnic community. -may experience conflict of allegiance -gay and ethnic identities may be incongruous. ---------- Counseling Gay Men and Lesbians with Alcohol Problems. Herbert, Hunt & Dell. Journal of Rehabilitation. April/May/June, 1994 This is not directly related to youths, but about the problem in general. -Gays are the hidden minority -Alcoholism affects the gay community at a rate of 20-33%, which far exceed the general population (10%). -Drinking is a means of coping with internalized homophobia -Social stigmatization leads to depression/low self-esteem/powelessness -Mental health professionals aren't getting special training on gay and lesbian issues. -Counselors must address own homophobia/stereotypes/assumptions. -Gay and Lesbian clients end up trying to 'pass' and only talk about alcoholism -Treatment must look at gay lifestyle/community -Intake forms should ask about sexual orientation -Be aware of community resources for gays and lesbians -Lack of proper training will alienate gay and lesbian clients. ---------- Gay and Lesbian Homeless/Street Youth. Gabe Kruks. Journal of Adolescent Health. Vol. 12, No. 7. -Data from intake information at Youth Services Department (YSD) of LA Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center. -55% male/45% femal -Generally more information on gay males because women are still seen as nonsexual beings and are invisible. -72% of males engaging in survival sex indentify as gay or bisexual. -LA found 25-35% of street yough gay -Seattle found 40% of street youth gay -80% of gay and lesbian youth receiving services at YSD report homophobia and victimization as main reason for leaving home. -Gay youths who had first sexual experience before age 14 more likely to attempt suicide. -53% of gay identified street youth attempted suicide. -Feelings of isolation--find peer support in the streets. ---------- Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youths in Community Settings. D'Augelli & Hershberger. American Journal of Community Psychology. Vol 21, No. 4 -41% of gay male sample had lost at least one friend because of sexual orientation. -Questionnaire sent to gay and lesbian centers with youth support groups--one in each of 14 cities. Return rate of 44%. -73% male/27% female. Ages 17-21 -Evaluation of 12 personal (mental health) problems -21% often worried so much that they couldn't get stuff done. -This was significantly correlated with depression. -42% had made a past attempt of suicide. -Male attemptors had lower self-esteem -Over 60% reported feeling overwhelmed in last year. -Attempters were more 'out', had more worries about alcoholism, lower self-esteem, and came out at an earlier age. -It's uncertain if this is a representative sample. ---------- Male Homosexuality--The Adolescent's Perspective.Gary Remafedi. Pediatrics. March, 1987. -Subjects recruited from gay news publication, gay radio show and health department -subjects--29 males aged 15-19--white, middle class, Christian -69% had become aware of feelings in adolesence -93% had told friends -90% had at least one gay male friend -55% reported regular verbal physical abuse from classmates -This study dispells the myth that adolescent homosexuality is just a phase. -50% lost friends over sexual orientation. ---------- Teaching About Sexual Orientation by Secondary Health Teachers. Telljohann, Price, Poureslami & Easton. Journal of School Health. January, 1995. -Homosexual youth at risk for self-hatred and emotional isolation -Prevalence rates are 50% higher for alcohol use and three times higher for marajuana use for gays than straights. -Up to 48% have run away from home. -They're more likely to drop out of school. -Stratified random sample of secondary health education teachers were given a 40 item questionnaire. -60% believed gay students feel more isolated and rejected. -Teachers were unclear about or believed in stereotypes. -55% said a gay and lesbian support group would not be supported by the administration -Less than half formally taught homosexuality -Leading source of information for those who taught was mass media. -Few teachers see homosexuals at higher risk, so they're not looking for symptoms. -Public schools should offer in-service training on gay issues. ---------- I thought people like that killed themselves: Lesbians, Gay Men and Suicide. Rofes, E. Grey Fox Press. San Francisco, 1983. -the gay population is dealing with depression through alcohol and drugs -30% of the lesbian and gay populatioin has problems with alcohol -35% of lesbians have alcohol problems, compared with 5% of single, heterosexual women -10% of gay population is at crisis stage of alcohol abuse -another 21% are at high risk levels. -Reasons: dealing with societal oppresstion and the pivotal role of bars in the gay social network ---------- Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide in Gay and Bisexual Youth. Remafedi, Farrow, Deisher. Pediatrics. Vol. 87, No. 6. June, 1991 -A study of 137 males between the ages of 14-21; 88% gay, 12% bisexual. -Of total, 41 were suicide attempters, 96 were nonattempters -Among other precipitants of suicide attempts, 15% said dysphoria associated with personal substance abuse -Of attempters: 49% ran away 51% had been arrested at some point 29% had engaged in prostitution 85% used illicit drugs 22% had been in chemical dependency treatment Massachussetts Governors Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth (Section III--Drop out and School Performance). -School is a fearful place because of shame and ridicule -60% of youth surveyed would be upset if someone called them gay, lesbian or bisexual -28% of all gay and lesbian youth drop out because of discomfort in the school environment -Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth comprise as many as 25% of all street youth. ---------- School Counselors' Perceptions of Adolescent Homosexuals. Price, Telljohann. Journal of School Health. Vol. 61, No.10. -Study gave a questionnaire to high school counselors -Cites Remafedi study that: of gay male youths studied, 48% ran away, 34% attempted suicide, 43% felt negative attitudes from friends, 41% felt negative attitudes from family, 55% experienced verbal abuse, 30% experienced physical assault. -Most school counselors (92%) did not believe that gay and lesbian youth were at greater risk for substance abuse. ---------- Planning to Live: Evaluating and Treating Suicidal Teens in Community Settings. Rotheram-Borus, Bradley, Obolensky (eds). National Resource Center for Youth Services. University of Oklahoma. (1990). This book does not directly address the needs of gay and lesbian youth (except for in a separate chapter), but given the above information, it is apparent that what follows as predictors of suicide are traits that many gay and lesbian youth are prone to. *"Evaluation of Suicide Risk" (Chapter 5). Rotheram-Borus, Bradley -Following are predictors of suicide, based on a variety of studies. -Depression--as many as 65% of attempters were depressed before attempting -Drug and Alcohol abuse--37% of suicide attempters abuse drugs. -Problems in school--social and academic -Family conflict -Poor peer relationships *"Substance abuse and suicide" (chapter 2). Klitzner, Blasinsky. We have already established in earlier articles that substance abuse is high in the gay and lesbian population. If educators are concerned about suicide in gay youth, they should pay attention to substance abuse as well. -though specific nature of relationship is unclear, it is very clear (from various sources of research) that there is a relationship between suicide and substance abuse. -Possible relationships: substance abuse causes suicide; depression as the root cause for both; both as maladaptive coping mechanisms (stress is a precursor) -Includes clinical suggestions/implications of various hypotheses. ---------- Other important facts: - " In a study of gay male adolescents, 68% reported alcohol use (with 26% using alcohol once or more per week), and 44% reported drug use (with 8% considering themselves drug-dependent). Among young lesbians, 83% had used alcohol, 56% had used drugs, and 11% had used crack/cocaine in the three months preceding the study." --Rosario, M; Hunter, J; Rotheham-Borus, MJ. Unpublished data. -A report on dropouts in California states that, "family stress can also occur when children are older and can disrupt the lives of high school students who previously did well in school." In this report, family stress is one of the main reasons for dropping out. We know from other studies mentioned here that being gay often creates a great deal of family stress when gay and lesbian youth confront their parents with their sexuality.--California Dropouts: A Status Report. California State Department of Education, 1986. ---------- Articles that sound like they'd be good but are in some way lacking: -Parental influences on the self-esteem of gay and lesbian youths: a reflected appraisals model. Journal of Homosexuality v.17, n. 1-2 -The development of male prositution activity among gay and bisexual adolescents. Journal of Homoesexuality v.17, n. 1-2.- this is not really relevant -Opening up the classroom closet. Harvard Educational Review. November, 1989. This presents rather anecdotal evidence, no study was done. Goes quickly into descriptions of the Project 10 school and the Harvey Milk School as models for change. -Obstacles to effective child welfare service with gay and lesbian youths. Child Welfare, V. 73, N.4. - give good advice, but nothing we haven't already said. It's not a study of any kind. -Gay and no place to go: assesing the needs of gay and lesbian adolescents in out-of-home care settings. Child Welfare v71, n6. Same problem as above. -Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Mental Health. Journal of Adolescent Health Care. It's written without any 'facts'. Talks about social problems, psychological problems, developmental experience, coming out, treatment, services. But it's all speculation to a certain extent. -Coming out to parents and self-esteem among gay and lesbian youths. Journal of Homosexuality v18, n 1-2. -Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual adolescents: a critical challenge to counselors. Journal of Counseling and Develoment v68, n1. Very brief--a call to counselors to take the challenge. Good list of sources. -Growing up gay or lesbian in a multicultural context. Journal of Homosexuality. v 17, n1-2. -The formation of homosexual identities. Journal of Homosexuality. v17, n1-2. This doesn't deal with school or peer issues at all. It's the 'developmental stages' of coming out--not necessarily about youth. -Widening Circles: an ethnographic profile of a youth group. Journal of Homosexuality v17, n1-2. This is hard to use because it is ethnographic. -Coming of Age in a Heterosexist World. Adolescence. v 27, n108. ---------- 0+ 0+ 0+ 0+ 0+ Jessea NR Greenman, Co-Founder, Project 21 586 62nd St., Oakland CA 94609-1245 ph/fax 510-601-8883 "My life is a non-negotiable demand." Marge Piercy PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CROSS-POST WITH ATTRIBUTION