Megan S. Paceley

The LGBQ Social Climate Matters: Policies, Protests, and Placards and Psychological Well-Being Among LGBQ Emerging Adults

Sexual minority youth, including emerging adults, are at risk for negative health outcomes. Minority stress theory posits that heterosexism can contribute to these outcomes among sexual minorities. Researchers have tested this theory with respect to interpersonal heterosexism; however, little attention has been given to macro-level and environmental forms of heterosexism, especially among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth. In this study, we examine the role of objective social climate (LGB state-level policies) and experiential distal and proximal environmental microaggressions on the psychological well-being of LGBQ emerging adults. Furthermore, we examine the role of LGBQ identity salience as a moderating factor on the macro/environmental-heterosexism and well-being relationship. Multivariable linear regression results suggest that living in a state without same-sex marriage laws is associated with greater self-esteem, whereas both distal and proximal environmental microaggressions are risk factors for anxiety and perceived stress. Furthermore, identity salience can ameliorate the effects of distal microaggressions and intensify the effects of proximal microaggressions and same-sex marriage legislation. Implications for practice with sexual minority youth are discussed.

Media Representations of Bullying Toward Queer Youth: Gender, Race, and Age Discrepancies

In 2010, media coverage on the bullying of queer youth increased dramatically. This study examined online news medias portrayal of the gender, race, and age of bullying victims. Content analyses of ten sources were compared to research on the dynamics of sexuality-based bullying. Discrepancies were found for gender and race (with White males being disproportionally portrayed in the media). Lack of representation may lead people to believe that bullying against queer youth of color is of no significance. This has important consequences for victims and for those working to end bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Factors Associated With Involvement in Nonmetropolitan LGBTQ Organizations: Proximity? Generativity? Minority Stress? Social Location?

Little is known about involvement in LGBTQ organizations. Factors associated with involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations were examined using logistic regression and survey data from 426 LGBTQ individuals residing in a nonmetropolitan region. Involvement was examined in five types of organizations (professional, social/recreational, religious, political, and community center/charity). The same model testing proximity, generativity, minority stress, and social location hypotheses was repeated for each organization type. Results demonstrate that the generativity hypothesis is most strongly supported. Indeed, emotional attachment to the LGBTQ community significantly increased the odds of involvement in every type of organization. However, the factors associated with involvement otherwise differed by organization type. Implications for organizational leaders are discussed.

Gender and Sexual Minority Youth in Nonmetropolitan Communities: Individual- and Community-Level Needs for Support

Gender and sexual minority (GSM) youth are at risk of mental and physical health problems due to experiences of stigmatization and marginalization. GSM youth in nonmetropolitan communities may be at increased risk, yet have less access to other GSM people and resources. Given GSM youths risks, the lack of research in nonmetropolitan areas, and the need for interventions to meet the needs of GSM youth, this study aimed to establish an understanding of what nonmetropolitan GSM youth perceive as their needs for support within their small communities. Using grounded theory, qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 youth. Findings revealed 4 categories of needs: reduction in isolation, social acceptance and visibility, emotional support and safety, and GSM identity development.

Barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organizations are spaces in which LGBTQ individuals can access support and community, yet they have received little empirical attention, particularly outside urban areas. Given the benefits of LGBTQ community involvement, this study examined the barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Three qualitative methods were employed: interviews, focus groups, and participant observation sessions. Thematic analyses identified eight barriers originating within the individual (managing ones LGBTQ identity, individual characteristics), organization (lack of diversity, group dynamics, lack of awareness of programs, workplace/school climate), and community (size, hostility). Implications for reducing barriers in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations are discussed.

Transgender youth in small towns: perceptions of community size, climate, and support

ABSTRACT Transgender youth are at risk of stigma and marginalization which can negatively impact their mental and physical health. Transgender youth in small towns may face increased stigma and a lack of supportive resources. It is essential to find ways to enhance support and resources and mitigate the effects of stigma. This exploratory study utilized qualitative interviews and an online survey to examine how transgender and gender questioning youth in nonmetropolitan and small metropolitan counties perceive their communities in terms of size, community climate, and transgender-specific resources. Results revealed variations in community climate by county size. Interviews revealed more complexity in descriptions of climate including the presence of support and hostility and a lack of visibility of transgender identities, rather than based solely on community size. Community size was not associated with the provision of supportive resources; rather community climate was associated with the availability, utilization, and unmet needs for community resources, above and beyond the impact of community size. The findings from this study contribute to minority stress theory and have direct practical implications.

Motivations for Involvement in Nonmetropolitan LGBTQ Organizations: A Multimethod Qualitative Exploration

Organizations serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities provide services aimed at improving the health and well-being of LGBTQ people, yet may face limited resources and community support in nonmetropolitan communities. This study seeks to understand LGBTQ individuals’ motivations for becoming and staying involved in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Data collection methods included interviews, participant observation, and focus groups. Six categories of motivations emerged: (1) to access support and resources; (2) to establish an LGBTQ community; (3) to be generative; (4) to affirm identity; (5) to support an LGBTQ organization; and (6) to combine one’s personal and professional lives.

Engaging substance-affected families in child welfare: parent perspectives of a parenting intervention at program initiation and completion

ABSTRACT Families affected by substance abuse are at an increased risk of child welfare involvement and poor child welfare outcomes. One strategy to improve outcomes among these families is evidence-based parenting interventions. While these interventions show the potential for advancing the child welfare field, they have not been widely and rigorously evaluated with birth parents, especially those affected by substance abuse, who face marked vulnerability and marginalization. We sought to draw on parents’ expertise and to understand their first and changing impressions throughout involvement in a parenting intervention, as well as overall impressions at program completion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 parents who were involved in child welfare and a family drug treatment court. All parents were affected by parental substance use and had recently completed the Strengthening Families Program. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for prominent themes. The study’s findings showed that parents described four key themes that influenced their perspectives of the parenting intervention: program reputation as communicated by peers, relevance and applicability of the program, children’s involvement and enjoyment of the program, and program structure issues that pointed to the need for high-quality group facilitation. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

“If Rainbows Were Everywhere”: Nonmetropolitan SGM Youth Identify Factors That Make Communities Supportive

ABSTRACT Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth in nonmetropolitan communities face marginalization due to their SGM identities. Community support may mitigate the negative outcomes associated with marginalization. Using the strengths perspective, this study investigated the factors SGM youth identify as making their communities supportive. Interviews were conducted with SGM youth to explore their perceptions of their community, community climate, and the factors that contribute to making communities supportive to SGM youth. Findings revealed four supportive community factors: supportive people, SGM visibility, SGM resources and education, and SGM-inclusive policies. Implications include creating SGM resources and providing professional training on SGM issues.

Longitudinal perspectives of faculty and students on benefits and barriers to transdisciplinary graduate education: program assessment and institutional recommendations

Addressing complex societal problems, such as childhood obesity, requires transdisciplinary (TD) approaches to reach effective solutions. However, TD doctoral training programs in academic settings are still relatively new, and little is known about the benefits and barriers of participation. This study sought to longitudinally assess benefits and barriers of a TD approach to doctoral education from the perspectives of students working towards a joint PhD/MPH degree and their faculty advisors. Results show that benefits across 5-years included greater collaboration and networking, enhanced guidance and support, broadened ways of thinking, and expanded opportunities. Barriers included time demands, complicated logistics, and tension between depth versus breadth of knowledge. Similarities and differences among students and faculty are discussed. Findings provide resources for both faculty and students considering involvement with TD doctoral education, as well as for institutions and academic programs seeking to promote TD training and team science.