Transcript Health Outcomes of Bullying for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and

Health Outcomes of
Bullying for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender
Youth
Alison Gill, Public Policy Manager | GLSEN
Ryan White Part D Quality Improvement
Conference
August 30, 2011
About GLSEN
GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) is the leading
national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all
students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child
learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where
difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more
vibrant and diverse community.
© GLSEN 2011
Prevalence of Bullying
Prevalence of Bullying
• 65% of middle/high school U.S. students report having been
verbally and/or physically harassed or assaulted at school during
the past year.
• Middle and high school students report that sexual orientation and
gender expression are among the top three reasons students in
their schools are bullied or harassed.
• LGBT students are more likely to be bullied and harassed than
other students (90% vs. 62% of non-LGBT students
harassed/assaulted in past year at school).
Source: Harris Interactive and GLSEN (2005). From Teasing to Torment: School climate in American, a survey of students and teachers.
New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Prevalence of Bullying
Most LGBT students are victimized at school.
• Almost all were verbally harassed in past school year
• 4 in 5 (84.6%) because of their sexual orientation
• 2 in 3 (63.7%) because of their gender expression
• Many were physically harassed (pushed, shoved)
• 2 in 5 (40.1%) because of their sexual orientation
• 1 in 3 (27.2%) because of their gender expression
• A number were physically assaulted (hit, kicked, injured with weapon)
• 1 in 5 (18.8%) because of their sexual orientation
• 1 in 8 (12.5%) because of their gender expression
Source: Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Health and Bullying
Effects on Educational Outcomes
LGBT students who experience victimization have poorer educational outcomes.
↓ GPA
Bullying and
Harassment
↑ Missing
School
↓ School
Belonging
Source: Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Effects on Educational Outcomes
Academic Achievement and
Severity of Victimization
Source: Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Effects on Psychological Well-Being
LGBT students who experience victimization have poorer mental health outcomes.
↓ Psychological well-being
Bullying and
Harassment
•
Depression1,2,3
•
Anxiety1
•
Self Esteem1
•
Substance Abuse2,3
•
Suicidal Ideation3
Sources: 1Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.; 2Gruber, J. E. and S. Fineran (2008). "Comparing the impact of bullying and sexual
harassment victimization on the mental and physical health of adolescents." Sex Roles 59(1-2): 1-13.; 3Russell, S. T. and K. Joyner (2001).
"Adolescent sexual orientation and suicide risk: Evidence from a national study." American Journal of Public Health 91(8): 1276--1281.
© GLSEN 2011
Effects on Psychological Well-Being
Relationship Between Depression and
Victimization for LGBT Students
Source: Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Effects on Physical Well-Being
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and students questioning their sexual orientation (LGBQ)
who experience victimization have poorer physical health outcomes.
↓ Physical Well-Being
Bullying and
Harassment
•
Loss of appetite1
•
Headache1
•
Dizziness or fainting1
•
Trouble going to sleep1
•
Upset stomach1
•
Trouble with nerves1
•
Increase d STD/HIV risk2
•
Increase stress3
Sources: 1Gruber, J. E. and S. Fineran (2008). "Comparing the impact of bullying and sexual harassment victimization on the mental and
physical health of adolescents." Sex Roles 59(1-2): 1-13.; 2Russell et al. (2011). “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescent school
victimization: Implications for young adult health and adjustment.” Journal of School Health 81(5): 223-30. 3 Benibgui, M. (2010). Mental
health challenges and resilience in lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults: Biological and psychological internalization of minority stress and
victimization. Montreal: Concordia University Press.
© GLSEN 2011
Effects on Physical Well-Being
• Sexual harassment of LGBQ students was related to
increased negative physical symptoms (e.g., headaches,
loss of appetite).1
• LGBT youth who experienced high levels of bullying and
harassment were more at risk for STDs and HIV as adults.2
• LGB youth living in homophobic environments were found
to have higher levels of stress hormones.3
Sources: 1Gruber, J. E. and S. Fineran (2008). "Comparing the impact of bullying and sexual harassment victimization on the mental and
physical health of adolescents." Sex Roles 59(1-2): 1-13.; 2 Russell et al. (2011). “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescent school
victimization: Implications for young adult health and adjustment.” Journal of School Health 81(5): 223-30. 3 Benibgui, M. (2010). Mental
health challenges and resilience in lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults: Biological and psychological internalization of minority stress and
victimization. Montreal: Concordia University Press.
© GLSEN 2011
Protective Factors
Protective Factors
• In-School Resources and Supports1
• Supportive school staff, Gay-Straight Alliances,
inclusive curricula and inclusive bullying policies are
linked to positive experiences at school for LGBT
students.
• Supportive Families2
• LGBT youth with accepting parents report:
• Increased self-esteem
• Better general health status
• Decreased depression, substance abuse and
suicidal ideation
Source: 1Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.; 2Ryan, C. (2010). "Engaging families to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
youth: The family acceptance project." The Prevention Researcher 17(4): 11-13.
© GLSEN 2011
Protective Factors
• Community Support and Services
• LGBT students in supportive communities are less
likely to hear anti-LGBT language and experience
victimization based on sexual orientation and
gender expression in school.
• Being “Out”
• Students who are open about their LGBT identity
at school have increased self-esteem and lower
levels of depression.
Source: Kosciw, J.G., et al. (2010). The 2009 National School Climate Survey: The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.
© GLSEN 2011
Resources
GLSEN – www.glsen.org
•
Student, educator and advocate resources including Dealing with Legal
Matters Surrounding Students’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The Trevor Project – www.thetrevorproject.org
•
Suicide prevention guides and resources for youth workers and parents
Child Welfare League of America – www.cwla.org
•
LGBT-focused guides for youth care workers and foster parents
American Psychological Association - www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources
•
Practitioner resources including Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation &
Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, & School Personnel
© GLSEN 2011
Contact
Alison Gill
[email protected]
www.glsen.org