Source of Strength and Relational Catalyst Support: Pathways to Personal Growth and Thriving Among Sexually and Gender-Diverse Young Adults

Personal growth is a central aspect of development and well-being during young adulthood, yet sexually diverse and gender-diverse (SGD; a more inclusive term for LGBTQ+) young adults navigate this process within unique contexts shaped by identity, stress, and varying levels of social support. Despite growing visibility and social recognition of SGD identities in the United States, SGD individuals continue to face prejudice and discrimination, which negatively affects their physical and psychological health. Research indicates that stigmatized and marginalized populations with greater psychosocial resources are better able to cope with identity-related stressors. Yet, scholarship on coping with stigma and discrimination remains largely disconnected from research on social support, personal growth, and thriving within close relationships. The present observational study of SGD young adults (N = 400) examines how identity-affirming support from close others contributes to positive well-being outcomes, specifically personal growth, self-concept clarity, and thriving. Whereas much prior work focuses on how support buffers stress, we examine its role across stressors and opportunities for growth, experienced broadly and in relation to SGD identity. Our findings underscore the critical role that close relationships play in fostering social safety and personal growth for SGD young adults navigating identity development.