The Victimization of LGBTQ Students at School: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Although research suggests that LGBTQ youth are at risk for victimization at school, it remains unclear just how much more likely they are to be victimized relative to heterosexual or cisgender youth, or the conditions under which their risks for victimization are highest. Accordingly, we conducted a meta-analysis on the relationship between LGBTQ identification and school victimization. Multilevel analysis of 276 effect size estimates, from 55 studies, revealed a moderate overall mean effect size (r = .155). Moderator analyses indicated the relationship was stronger for transgender youth, homophobic victimization, and students in the Western United States; and weaker for questioning youth. We conclude with recommendations for policy and future research, and suggest that theories of victimization be broadened to better explain the risks that LGBTQ students face.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ
• sexual and gender minority youth
• school victimization
• bullying
• meta-analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wesley Myers

Wesley Myers is an instructor in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. His research focuses on victimization of vulnerable populations, sexual orientation as a correlate of crime, and the death penalty.

Jillian J. Turanovic

Jillian J. Turanovic is an assistant professor in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. Her research examines various issues in criminological theory and correctional policy, with a special focus on victimization, violence, and the life course.

Kristin M. Lloyd

Kristin M. Lloyd is a doctoral candidate in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. Her research focuses on the influence of family on crime, victimization, and the life course.

Travis C. Pratt

Travis C. Pratt is a fellow at the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute and the research director at the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. His work focuses on criminological theory and corrections policy.