Questioning Youth: Identifying Youth Who Are Unsure of Their Sexuality

• In Event: 68.036 - Youth Seeking Well-Being

Abstract

As research on sexual-minority adolescents has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, research on sexual-minority youth has lagged behind, focusing on how those who identify as non-heterosexual are adversely affected. The purpose of this project is to identify demographic markers of questioning youth struggling to develop a firm sexual identity. The results indicate that, as compared to those who identify as homosexual, you who question their sexuality tend to be younger, female, and less hopeful about the future. LGBQ adolescents may not know about nor have access to health care providers who are sensitive to their unique mental health needs. The evidence gained from this study suggest that youth who are questioning their sexual orientation may experience unique risks.

Authors

• Raul Palacios, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Michael J. Zweifel, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Susan Swearer, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Zachary Myers, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Weldon Zane Smith, University of Nebraska - Lincoln