Through their eyes: A qualitative, daily diary exploration of oppression-based stress experiences among sexual and gender minority adolescents.
The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth, daily, and qualitative examination of oppression-based stress experiences among sexual and gender minority adolescents (SGMA) across varying social contexts-that is, varying interpersonal relationships and social environments. A sample of 94 SGMA were recruited and completed up to 21 days of daily diaries, in which respondents answered an open-ended question surrounding their daily negative experiences-or "lows"-associated with their marginalized identities. A total of 1,629 entries were analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods. Five themes of daily oppression-based stress experiences emerged from the responses, encompassing: (1) social rejection and discomfort, (2) relationship stressors, (3) stress related to identity development and disclosure, (4) negative or inadequate representation, and (5) structural cissexism-related stressors. Our findings further elucidate the content and type of oppression-based stressors SGMA experience across multiple intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural domains; additionally, we identify salient, intervenable areas for future research to reduce the everyday oppression-based stress experiences of SGMA.
Authors
- Tara R. Sullivan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4230-0082)
- Ethan H. Mereish (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4655-0836)
- Sofia S Flynn
- Shannon Touhey
Institutions
- Allen Institute for Brain Science (US)
- American University (US)
- Human Rights Campaign (US)
- University of Maryland, College Park (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
- Published
- 2024-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000779
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Family Support in Illness
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.40
Funders
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism