Victimization and trauma related symptoms in no heterosexual youth in Portugal: A deeper look at a complex phenomena

• In Event: Rethinking Victimization Among the Most Marginalized

Abstract

Introduction: A recent meta-analysis showed that LGB youth report a higher prevalence of victimization compared to heterosexual youth, with sexual abuse being the most commonly reported. Furthermore, the same study indicates a higher prevalence of mental health issues. However, most studies have been conducted in the United States (66.67%). To understand the Portuguese data and assess the prevalence of adverse experiences, symptoms of traumatic stress and complex post-traumatic stress, we compared adolescents who identify as heterosexual with LGB adolescents in Portugal.
Method: The total sample included 653 adolescents exposed to at least one victimization experience, of whom 297 (45.5%) were male and 356 (54.5%) were female, with an average age of 13 years (M = 13.09, SD = 1.0). Of these, 485 (74.3%) were heterosexual youth, and 168 (25.7%) describe themselves as no heterosexual.
Results: LGB youth reported significantly higher average levels of victimization, as well as more symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD, compared to heterosexual youth.
Implications: Health and educational services should be trauma-informed, making continuous efforts to understand the manifestations of distress and promote the well-being of LGB youth, particularly those who were victmis of potentially traumatic events.

Authors

• Ângela Maia, CIPsi - UM

• Ricardo Pinto, U. Lusófona, Porto

• Diogo Morgado, University of Minho