Lgb Youth Coping Essay

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Hypothetical Findings, Limitations, and Implications of Coping, Stress, and Homelessness
Researchers conducted an experiment on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) youth and the coping mechanisms they used in relation to experiencing homelessness. Researcher’s hypothesized LGB youth who cope with stress in positive manners versus negative manners are least likely to experience homelessness. The positive coping mechanisms consisted of confiding in a friend, family member, professional personnel, journaling, and maintaining a positive self-image, as well as self-esteem. The negative coping mechanisms consisted of running away, suicidal attempts, abusing alcohol or drugs, engaging in promiscuous sexual activity, and physical abuse towards others. …show more content…

LGB youth coping with stress in positive manners was associated with a decrease likelihood of becoming homeless. The strength of the relationship was negatively correlated and indicates that coping with stress in negative ways may contribute to LGB youth becoming homeless. The results were not surprising to researchers because the ways in which any people including LGB youth handle stressors will be a determining factor in one’s life. LGB youth deal with stressors similar to heterosexual youth, but also different. The similarity and differences come from the stigmas associated with identifying as LGB, which contribute to numerous problems for LGB youth. This study examined factors and filled gaps past research did not accomplish. Past research explored the reasons some LGB youth become homeless, while other LGB youth does not. Also explored were the coping mechanisms used by sexual minority youth in relations to one’s life outcomes. Overall, the study has some strong components, as well as some

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