Abstract
Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, cisgender LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience numerous mental health conditions, for instance, suicidal ideation, stress, and anxiety. This study aimed to explore mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth while identifying strategies to promote their well-being.
Incorporating a systematic approach, studies were selected according to the predefined inclusion criteria, ensuring recentness and relevance. Five databases were systematically searched while the PRISMA flowchart was employed for illustrating the systematic selection process. The PEO framework directed the study selection. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes that were related to the study aim.
Five themes were emerged including policy changes and legal frameworks, contextual and cultural factors, family and social support, underlying factors of mental health, and healthcare services access. The synthesis of the literature uncovers the multifaceted relationship between cultural and contextual factors and policy changes, social and family support and healthcare services. The study also underlines the importance of implementing an intersectional minority stress model for comprehensively understanding mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth.
The results emphasize the importance of ongoing research in policy alterations, accessibility to healthcare, and creating supportive surroundings to tackle differences in mental health. Recognizing the complexity of these issues, this paper requires an in-depth examination that considers intersecting factors, promotes inclusivity, and involves long-term studies in providing mental health support to enhance the well-being of LGBTQ+ young individuals.
Author Contributions
Copyright© 2024
Sunil Sneha, et al.
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Competing interests The author states that, concerning this research article, they have no conflicting interests.
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Introduction
The topic of mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other non-heteronormative) has emerged as a topic of increasing scholarly inquiry and public health concern. LGBTQ+ people frequently experience various problems interrelated with their sexual orientation and gender identity Mental health disparities are particularly severe among LGBTQ+ youth who are part of marginalized ethnic or racial backgrounds, emphasizing the value of early intervention While past research sheds light on mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ adolescents, there remains a gap between awareness and effective interventions to improve their well-being Addressing knowledge gaps, the investigation contributes to developing comprehensive strategies and policies that promote the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society
Results
In line with the study aim that was identifying mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth and the strategies to promote their well-being, five themes were identified including Policy changes and legal frameworks, Contextual and cultural factors, Family and social support, Underlying factors of mental health, and Healthcare services access as explained below. A number of six studies were included in this theme which was derived from the analysis of the objectives. Themes have been generated by systematically reviewing literature associated with LGBTQ+ youth’s mental health disparities, assessing articles elaborating discussing policy changes, anti-discrimination measures and legal reforms. According to Total three studies deemed appropriate for this theme which has been generated from identifying cultural and contextual factors that lead to mental health disparities among the LGBTQ+ youths in the existing pool of literature. According to This theme has also found three relevant studies from literature which was generated from the literature search on the role of social and family support in eliminating mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth. Found that social support is critical for psychosocial well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Support from diverse sources like teachers, parents, friends and classmates can have a substantial influence on the mental health and adjustment of LGBTQ+ youth A multiplicity of factors, like social stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding and acceptance could lead to the existence of mental health issues among young LGBTQ people. The youth from sexual minorities face increased internal discrimination, times when their friends and family do not support them, and LGBTQ+ bullying. They will end up being more responsible for mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and thoughts of committing suicide. On the other hand,
Discussion
In the wider literature, global disparities in LGBTQ+ rights are well-documented, stressing the necessity for a rights-oriented method to mental health. Legal protection and recognition are likely to contribute substantially to the well-being of sexual minorities. These findings, based on multiple studies, add to a more comprehensive perception of the challenges confronted by LGBTQ+ youth while providing in-depth insights into potential interventions. Found a global perspective on the challenges confronted by LGBTQ+ individuals in terms of their rights, stressing the journey characterized by triumphs and tribulations Contribute by offering prevention strategies and methods aimed at developing inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth Schmitz The findings of In the wider literature, the significance of family support for LGBTQ+ people is constantly demonstrated
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research on mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth as well as strategies for fostering well-being underlines the necessity for intersectional and comprehensive approaches. The findings underscore the complex interplay of cultural, policy, social and healthcare factors in influencing the mental health outcomes of LGBTQ+ youth. In practice, mental health practitioners must employ culturally competent and inclusive strategies that take into consideration the particular requirements of LGBTQ+ youths. Fostering supportive environments in residential, educational, and healthcare settings is vital in decreasing the impact of victimization and stigma. Additionally, efforts need to emphasize the value of numerous types of support, like peer, familial, and community networks. On a policy level, there is an interest for sustained global attempts to ensure equal safeguards and liberties for LGBTQ+ people. Policies ought to value the quality and breadth of LGBTQ+ healthcare over antidiscrimination standards. Legalizing same-sex marriage, shifting gender codes, and enhancing data collecting on LGBTQ+ people are explicit legislative recommendations that match with the community's changing needs.