Family Rejection during COVID-19: Effects on Sexual and Gender Minority Stress and Mental Health among LGBTQ University Students

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between family rejection and moderate to severe psychological distress during COVID-19 among LGBTQ university students. Data were obtained from a national cross-sectional electronic survey of LGBTQ university students (N = 565) collected in the summer of 2020. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to examine the predictive association between increased family rejection and moderate to severe psychological distress. Respondents who reported increased rejection were more than twice as likely to report moderate to severe psychological distress, with social isolation and LGBTQ identity concealment being significant covariate predictors in the model. These results demonstrate the importance of public health, medical, mental health, and higher education stakeholders understanding the significance of LGBTQ-identity related family rejection when addressing the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ young people.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• LGBTQ young adults
• mental health
• LGBTQ stressors

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the study participants for taking the time to complete the survey and share their experiences. The authors are thankful to the various LGBTQ student centers, student affairs and diversity offices, and professors and colleagues across the U.S. who disseminated information about this study and do valuable work for marginalized individuals in their communities.

Disclaimer

Any interpretations and opinions expressed herein are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the NIH or CDC.

Author Disclosure Statement

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Maryland Prevention Research Center, cooperative agreement #U48 DP006382 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salerno acknowledges support from the National Institute of Mental Health (Award Number 1R36MH123043) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).