Abstract
Purpose. This study investigated the protective factors that contribute to resilience in lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults. Age of self-identifying as a sexual minority and the relationship of resilience to degree of suicidal ideation and number of suicide attempts were also examined. Method. The data were collected from a convenience sample of lesbian, gay and bisexual participants from LGBT Resource and Pride Centers at four Southern California universities. The sample of 65 participants was composed of 21 gay men, 19 lesbians, 16 bisexual women, 6 who identified as other, and 3 bisexual men. The statistical analyses included bivariate correlations and multivariate analysis of variance. Participants' personal stories were analyzed to determine if there were themes related to the quantitative results. Results. Protective factors contributing to resilience in lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults were found for social support from family (F(1, 64) = 5.33, p < .05), being out to the world (F(2, 62) = 3.50, p < .05), and for a positive lesbian, gay and bisexual identity (F(2, 62) = 4.29, p < .05). The younger one was when first self-identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual had a significant effect on resilience ( F(6, 120) = 3.17, p < .01). Themes supporting the quantitative data did emerge. Discussion. The findings suggest that there are unique protective factors contributing to resilience in lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. Positive LGB identity development, support from family, age of self-identification, and being out to the world as a lesbian, gay man, or bisexual person are significantly correlated with being resilient. Areas for future research include why not being out in certain situations contributes to being resilient and why the age of self-identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual contributes to being more resilient. The results of this study can be utilized by clinicians, program developers, and school administrators to develop clinical approaches and community programs to increase resilience in LGB youth, adolescents, and young adults.