Renee V. Galliher

Power and Psychological Well-Being in Late Adolescent Romantic Relationships

Using Olsen and Cromwells (1975) three facetsof interpersonal power (power in resources, process, andoutcomes), we examined the balance of power in lateadolescent romantic relationships and the associations between interpersonal power, adolescentsself-esteem, and depression. Participants were 61adolescent couples who were primarily European-American(90% of girls and 93% of boys), with the remainder being comprised of approximately 2-3% each of NativeAmerican, Asian, African American, and Hispanicindividuals. We assessed power in terms of access toemotional resources, control during video-tapedinteraction, and control over decision-making. Overall,couples were more likely to be described by themselvesand by independent observers as egalitarian, with themajority of couples equally contributing emotional resources, sharing power in interaction, andsharing decision-making responsibility. However,romantic relationships characterized by inequality inthe contribution of emotional resources and indecisionmaking were associated with greater psychologicalsymptomatology, especially for females.

Identity Development and Exploration Among Sexual Minority Adolescents: Examination of a Multidimensional Model

Based on a multidimensional model of sexual identity development, the current study examined self-labeling, romantic, and sexual experiences among middle and late adolescent sexual minorities. Eighty-two youths between the ages of 14 and 21 were recruited from gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community centers and associated Internet groups. Differences between males and females and between middle and late adolescents were first examined. Males reported markedly different patterns of self-labeling and romantic experiences, relative to females, but few age differences emerged. Additionally, patterns of association between self-labeling and sexual or romantic experiences provided support for the multidimensional model of identity development and exploration. Finally, significant associations emerged between relationship experiences and relational competency, such that adolescents who described themselves as isolated from intimate interpersonal relationships reported less relational esteem and more relational depression than those who reported predominantly engaging in same-sex romantic relationships. In addition, alternative styles of engaging in interpersonal relationships (e.g., same-sex intimate friendships, heterosexual dating) also were also associated with increased relational competency.

LGBQQ Young Adult Experiences of Religious and Sexual Identity Integration

It is often assumed that the process of navigating an LGBQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and questioning) sexual identity in a religious context is difficult and conflicting. However, only a few studies have empirically examined LGBQQ experiences of religion and identity integration. One-hundred five LGBQQ participants (age 18–24) were surveyed to examine their experiences of religious and sexual identity integration. While LGBQQ young adults do not report a high degree of sexual and religious identity integration, factors such as self-acceptance and increased knowledge were instrumental for those who reported integration. Suggestions are provided for counselors working with conflicted LGBQQ young adults.

Interaction and Relationship Quality in Late Adolescent Romantic Couples

This study examined the association between late adolescent romantic couple members’ interaction and their overall relationship quality. Stepwise regression analyses were used to predict couple members’ global self-reports of relationship quality from their own ratings of their interaction. Positive and negative behaviors, as well as patterns of interaction, were associated with relationship quality, with different patterns of association emerging for males and females. Girlfriends’ global reports of relationship quality were predicted from their perceptions of their boyfriends’ conflict and harmony, or the balance of supportive and conflictual behaviors in the interaction. In contrast, boyfriends’ global reports of relationship quality were predicted from their perceptions of their own support and their ratings of their own willingness to accept influence from their girlfriends. Gender differences in patterns of association are discussed in light of current theories of the development of romantic and peer relationships.

Sexual Minority Young Adult Religiosity, Sexual Orientation Conflict,self-esteem, and Depressive Symptoms

Positive associations between religious involvement and psychosocial health outcomes have been amply documented. However, many of these studies have not accounted for the sexual identification of the participants sampled and have been limited in their conceptualization of religiosity. The religious context may be a source of conflict for some sexual minority individuals. As such, additional research is needed to examine the relationship between sexual minority religiosity and mental health. One-hundred and six sexual minority young adults (ages 18–24) were surveyed to examine the relationship between a multidimensional understanding of religiosity and sexual orientation conflict, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. While behavioral religiosity was generally not related to mental health outcomes, affective and cognitive measures of religiosity indicate both risk and protective benefit. These relationships are not moderated by either biological sex or years since self-identification as a sexual minority.

Sexual orientation change efforts among current or former LDS church members

This study examined sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) by 1,612 individuals who are current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Data were obtained through a comprehensive online survey from both quantitative items and open-ended written responses. A minimum of 73% of men and 43% of women in this sample attempted sexual orientation change, usually through multiple methods and across many years (on average). Developmental factors associated with attempts at sexual orientation change included higher levels of early religious orthodoxy (for all) and less supportive families and communities (for men only). Among women, those who identified as lesbian and who reported higher Kinsey attraction scores were more likely to have sought change. Of the 9 different methods surveyed, private and religious change methods (compared with therapist-led or group-based efforts) were the most common, started earlier, exercised for longer periods, and reported to be the most damaging and least effective. When sexual orientation change was identified as a goal, reported effectiveness was lower for almost all of the methods. While some beneficial SOCE outcomes (such as acceptance of same-sex attractions and reduction in depression and anxiety) were reported, the overall results support the conclusion that sexual orientation is highly resistant to explicit attempts at change and that SOCE are overwhelmingly reported to be either ineffective or damaging by participants.

Social and Individual Predictors of Substance Use for Native American Youth.

ABSTRACT Substance abuse is a primary concern for youth worldwide and increasingly so for Native American youth. Guided by theoretical models of the socialization of substance use in children and adolescents, we conducted a preliminary examination of socialization factors specific to Native American youth. Strong, pro-social bonds with three primary socialization sources (family, school, and peer networks) were hypothesized to facilitate child self-efficacy and refusal skills and predict drug use. Participants were 84 Native American children between the ages of 9 and 11, living on or near a northern reservation. Structural path analysis results indicated that self-efficacy was predicted from school bonding and peer social skills, while refusal skills were predicted from parent support/involvement and school bonding. Both self-efficacy and refusal skills predicted child drug use/experimentation. This preliminary study expands the limited research available for substance abuse prevention projects specific to rural, reservation-based Native American communities.

Navigating Sexual and Religious Identity Conflict: A Mormon Perspective

This study examined navigation of sexual and religious identity conflict among 1,493 same-sex attracted current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Participants were classified into four groups: (a) rejected a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity (5.5%); (b) compartmentalized sexual and religious identities (37.2%); (c) rejected religious identity (53%); and (d) integrated religious and sexual identities (4.4%). Systematic differences emerged among the groups in sexual identity development histories, developmental milestones, relationship experiences, religious engagement, and psychosocial health. The findings suggest that rejection or compartmentalization of sexual identity may be difficult to sustain over time and likely comes at a significant psychosocial cost. Integration of identities may be equally difficult to achieve, and appears to be associated with optimal outcomes.

The Interplay of Sexual and Religious Identity Development in LGBTQ Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Inquiry

Eight sexual-minority adolescents (15–18 years old) and 11 young adults (19–24 years old) participated in individual interviews, journal writing, and focus groups to provide greater insight into the interplay of religious and sexual identity development in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth. The majority of the sample identified as being raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, two participants identified being raised Catholic, and one participant identified being raised Presbyterian. Participants described an early behavioral connection to their childhood religious faiths, reported feeling “different,” and shared efforts to deny their same-sex attractions. Next, participants stated they questioned their faith, and whereas some participants described feeling disconnected religiously, others worked diligently to maintain connection with their faith communities. Participants also endorsed internalized conflict and efforts to change their attractions. Finally, participants disengaged with their childhood faiths, disclosed their sexual orientation to others, and redefined their values and beliefs.

LGBTQ adolescents and young adults raised within a Christian religious context: Positive and negative outcomes

Religious contexts have traditionally been understood as protective for a variety of psychosocial health outcomes. However, the generalizability of these findings to youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) is questioned due to denominational teachings on same-sex attractions and sexual behavior. Eight adolescents (15-17 years) and 11 young adults (19-24 years) who identify as LGBTQ raised in Christian religious affiliations (16 participants raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 participants raised Catholic and 1 participant raised Presbyterian) participated in individual in-depth interviews, journal writings, and focus groups to provide greater insight into the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals raised within a Christian religious environment. Findings suggest the religious context is related to both positive and negative outcomes. Eight themes are explored using participants own words and experiences. Directions for future research and implications are discussed.