The Influence of Peer Victimization on Educational Outcomes for LGBTQ and Non-LGBTQ High School Students

Abstract

A total of 11,447 high school students were surveyed to test the relation between victimization and the educational outcomes of truancy, post–high school intentions, and grades for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) and non-LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students reported statistically higher truancy, lower grades, greater expectations not to finish high school, and lower expectations to attend a four-year college. Victimization partially mediated these differences between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ youth. These results highlight the role of victimization in partially accounting for academic disparities between LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ youth.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic performance
• bullying
• educational intentions
• LGBTQ youth
• mental health
• peer victimization
• school climate
• secondary school
• truancy

Notes

1. Questioning refers to students questioning their sexual orientation rather than their gender identity.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steven R. Aragon

Steven R. Aragon, PhD, is Professor of Developmental Education at Texas State University. He specializes in postsecondary education examining minority and non-traditional student development in community college settings. He also examines the educational and psychological outcomes of sexual minority students.

V. Paul Poteat

V. Paul Poteat, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology at Boston University. His research examines homophobic and other forms of bias-based bullying; mental health and resilience of LGBT youth; and social norms and ideology beliefs connected to homophobic attitudes and behaviors.

Dorothy L. Espelage

Dorothy L. Espelage, PhD, is Professor of Child Development at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Conducting research on bullying for 20 years, her current research examines correlates of sexual harassment, dating violence, and homophobic teasing.

Brian W. Koenig

Brian W. Koenig, MA, is owner of K12 Associates, Middleton, WI. As a writer, trainer, and consultant, he works with school districts to create safe, welcoming climates. He is the author of Creating a Climate of Respect and has collaborated on numerous articles on bullying and bully prevention.