Probing Family Acceptance and Mental Health of Homosexual People
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61506/01.00584Keywords:
Homosexuality, family acceptance, family rejection, mental healthAbstract
This study was aimed at probing the relationship between family acceptance and mental health of homosexual people. Correlational research design was used to conduct this quantitative research. Survey was administered with closed ended questionnaires as method of data collection. Snowball sampling technique was employed to select the sample of study 19 homosexual people. Results suggest that family acceptance plays a critical role in supporting the mental health of homosexual individuals. When families offer support, love, and validation, it significantly reduces the risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Conversely, family rejection has been linked to higher rates of mental health struggles. Homosexual individuals who experience rejection or lack of acceptance from their families are more likely to face emotional distress, substance abuse, self-harm, and other negative outcomes. Families that embrace and affirm their LGBTQ+ members can foster resilience, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The support often leads to better coping mechanisms and healthier psychological outcomes. The importance of family acceptance is influenced by cultural, societal, and religious contexts. In more conservative environments, the psychological toll of family rejection may be greater, which underscores the importance of promoting family education and awareness.
References
Bowlby, J. (1973). Separation, anxiety and anger. Attachment and loss.
Bowlby, J. (1980). Loss: Sadness and depression (Vol. 3, p. 472). New York: Basic books.
Bregman, H. R., Malik, N. M., Page, M. J., Makynen, E., & Lindahl, K. M. (2013). Identity profiles in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: The role of family influences. Journal of youth and adolescence, 42, 417-430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-012-9798-z
Khan, K. K. (2020). Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Women's Health: A Case Study in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Journal of Policy Options, 3(3), 82-89.
Lovibond, P. F., & Lovibond, S. H. (1995). The structure of negative emotional states: Comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behaviour research and therapy, 33(3), 335-343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(94)00075-U
Newcomb, M. E., Heinz, A. J., Birkett, M., & Mustanski, B. (2014). A longitudinal examination of risk and protective factors for cigarette smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 54(5), 558-564. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.10.208
Padilla, Y. C., Crisp, C., & Rew, D. L. (2010). Parental acceptance and illegal drug use among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: Results from a national survey. Social Work, 55(3), 265-275. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/55.3.265
Rahat, A., & Hayat, A. (2020). Psychological Health of Children Engaged in Hazardous Labor: A Study in Lahore, Pakistan. Journal of Policy Options, 3(2), 70-74.
Rohner, R. P., & Khaleque, A. (2005). Parental acceptance-rejection questionnaire (PARQ): Test manual. Handbook for the study of parental acceptance and rejection, 4, 43-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/t05824-000
Rosario, M. (2015). Implications of childhood experiences for the health and adaptation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: Sensitivity to developmental process in future research. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity, 2(3), 214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000120
Rosario, M., & Schrimshaw, E. W. (2013). The sexual identity development and health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents: An ecological perspective. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199765218.003.0007
Russo, L. (2022). The impact of slow productivity on healthcare costs in a no-growth: An empirical analysis. Journal of Policy Options, 5(4), 22-28.
Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 123(1), 346-352. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-3524
Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing, 23(4), 205-213. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6171.2010.00246.x
Seiffge-Krenke, I. (2006). Coping with relationship stressors: The impact of different working models of attachment and links to adaptation. Journal of youth and adolescence, 35, 24-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-9015-4
Simons, L., Schrager, S. M., Clark, L. F., Belzer, M., & Olson, J. (2013). Parental support and mental health among transgender adolescents. Journal of adolescent health, 53(6), 791-793. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.07.019
Yadegarfard, M., Meinhold-Bergmann, M. E., & Ho, R. (2014). Family rejection, social isolation, and loneliness as predictors of negative health outcomes (depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual risk behavior) among Thai male-to-female transgender adolescents. Journal of LGBT youth, 11(4), 347-363. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2014.910483