Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth

Keith J. Watts; M. Alex Wagaman; Andrew D. Eaton; Vivian W.Y. Leung; Shelley L. Craig

doi:10.1080/0145935X.2023.2261364

Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth

Keith J. Watts, M. Alex Wagaman, Andrew D. Eaton, Vivian W.Y. Leung, Shelley L. Craig

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQ + youth. Black LGBTQ + youth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQ + youth in the United States and Canada. Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQ + youth’s mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	153-172
Number of pages	20
Journal	Child and Youth Services
Volume	46
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2023.2261364
State	Published - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

Black LGBTQ
belongingness
mental health
minority stress
youth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health(social science)
Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1080/0145935X.2023.2261364

Cite this

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AB - A sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQ + youth. Black LGBTQ + youth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQ + youth in the United States and Canada. Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQ + youth’s mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.

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Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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