Social Support Moderates the Impact of Homophobic Victimization on Psychological Adjustment and Behaviours of Youth of Lesbian and Gay Parents

The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating effects of various protective factors on the association between homophobic victimization and psychosocial adjustment problems among youth from lesbian and gay parent families. The sample included 97 respondents (M = 17.2 years) who completed measures of homophobic victimization, social support, coping strategies, and psychosocial problems. Support from parents and friends was found to moderate the impact of victimization on risky behaviours. These findings highlight the importance of protective factors for the psychosocial adjustment of youth from lesbian mothers and gay fathers. Implications for social policy and intervention are discussed.