Sexual minority youth in romantic relationships: Associations with youth well-being

J Res Adolesc. 2023 Dec;33(4):1368-1376. doi: 10.1111/jora.12883. Epub 2023 Sep 16.

Abstract

This study investigated differences in depressive symptoms, loneliness, and self-esteem for monosexual (lesbian, gay) and plurisexual (bisexual, pansexual, queer) sexual minority youth (SMY) by relationship status (single, partnered) and relationship configuration (same-gender partner, different-gender partner). Participants included 338 SMY (Mage = 19.10 years) who reported on their relationship status, partner's gender identity, well-being, and ability to confide in partner about LGBTQ issues. Results indicated that for plurisexual youth, single status was associated with greater loneliness; plurisexual youth with same-gender partners reported fewer depressive symptoms and marginally greater ability to confide in their partner about LGBTQ issues than those with different-gender partners. Findings reveal similarities across SMY while also highlighting some unique challenges among plurisexual youth with different-gender partners.

Keywords: romantic relationships; sexual minority youth; youth well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bisexuality
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Concept
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • Young Adult