ERIC Number: EJ1012932
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Jun
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1050-8392
EISSN: N/A
Gay--Straight Alliances Are Associated with Student Health: A Multischool Comparison of LGBTQ and Heterosexual Youth
Poteat, V. Paul; Sinclair, Katerina O.; DiGiovanni, Craig D.; Koenig, Brian W.; Russell, Stephen T.
Journal of Research on Adolescence, v23 n2 p319-330 Jun 2013
Few studies have examined school-based factors associated with variability in the victimization and health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Among 15,965 students in 45 Wisconsin schools, we identified differences based on Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) presence. Youth in schools with GSAs reported less truancy, smoking, drinking, suicide attempts, and sex with casual partners than those in schools without GSAs, with this difference being more sizable for LGBTQ than heterosexual youth. GSA-based differences were greatest for sexual minority girls on reported sex while using drugs. GSA effects were nonsignificant for general or homophobic victimization, grades, and school belonging. Findings suggest that GSAs could contribute to attenuating a range of health risks, particularly for LGBTQ youth. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Homosexuality, Sexual Orientation, Clubs, Program Effectiveness, Youth Programs, Sexuality, Truancy, Smoking, Drinking, Suicide, Health Behavior, Gender Differences, Drug Abuse, Victims, Bullying, Social Attitudes, Grades (Scholastic), Student School Relationship, Peer Relationship, Middle School Students, High School Students, Institutional Characteristics, Multivariate Analysis, At Risk Persons
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; Secondary Education; Middle Schools; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Wisconsin
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A