Social Ecological Correlates of Family-Level Interpersonal and Environmental Microaggressions Toward Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 253222
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: 2018 Pages: 1-16
• Author(s): Rachel E. Gartner; Paul R. Sterzing
• Date Published: 2018
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2013-IJ-CX-0029
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Familial Pathways to Polyvictimization for Sexual Minority Youth: Homonegative, Dangerous, and Adverse Family Typologies

Annotation

Using a national sample of 1,177 gender minority adolescents (SGMA), this study (a) identified the frequencies of family-level interpersonal and environmental microaggressions by participant demographics and (b) examined individual-, family-, and structural-level factors associated with interpersonal and environmental microaggressions.

Abstract

Microaggressions are associated with mental and behavioral health problems and are common experiences for sexual and gender minority adolescents (SGMA). Little is known about the social ecological correlates of family-level interpersonal and environmental microaggressions for SGMA. Outness to parents, a transgender or genderqueer identity, and higher levels of gender role non-conformity were associated with higher frequencies of interpersonal microaggressions. Higher levels of family-level child maltreatment and religiosity were associated with higher frequencies of interpersonal and environmental microaggressions. State-level non-discrimination protections were associated with lower frequencies of environmental microaggressions. Suggestions for increased individual-level support for gender non-binary adolescents as well as family targeted preventive strategies are discussed. Areas for future research are highlighted. 63 references (publisher abstract modified)