(PS1-C60) Benevolent Childhood Experiences Among Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults: An Initial Exploration of Reducing Internalized Stigma

Objectives:

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults are at elevated risk for mental health problems, likely due to internalized stigma that can develop after experiences of discrimination. Limited research has examined resilience in SGM young adults, including whether their positive childhood experiences buffer against discrimination-related adversities. This study explored whether positive childhood experiences may protect against internalized homophobia/transphobia in SGM young adults.

Method:

Participants (N=1,324) ages 18-30 were recruited for a larger online survey of SGM young adults; 57.1% of participants identified as transgender or gender non-conforming (TGNC). Most identified as white (69.30%). Participants completed measures including the Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) Scale (Narayan et al., 2018), the Revised Internalized Homophobia Scale (Herek et al., 2009), and the Transgender Identity Survey (Bockting et al., 2020). We examined frequencies of individual BCEs items and mean levels of total BCEs across cisgender and TGNC participants using chi-square analyses. Finally, Pearson correlations examined associations between mean levels of BCEs and internalized stigma variables.

Results:

The most frequently endorsed BCEs items were the experience of liking or feeling comfortable with oneself (65.4%), having comforting beliefs (42.5%), and having good neighbors (41.4%). Participants reported an average of 7.10 (SD= 2.11) BCEs, and TGNC participants (M = 6.57, SD = 2.9) reported significantly fewer BCEs than their cisgender sexual minority peers (M = 7.73, SD = 1.93), χ2 (10) = 87.55, p< .001. Higher levels of BCEs were significantly associated with lower levels of internalized transphobia (r = -.23; p< .05), and these findings were driven by the following BCE items: having beliefs that give one comfort (r(df) = -0.18; p < 0.05), at least one teacher who cared (r = -.16; p > 0.5), opportunities to have a good time (r = -0.2; p < 0.05), and a positive self-image (r = -.10; p < .05). The sum score of BCEs was not significantly associated with internalized homophobia, however the individual item of positive self-image was associated with lower levels of internalized homophobia (r = -.15; p< 0.5).

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that BCEs may protect against internalized stigma later in life in SGM young adults. Taking a strengths-based approach, it is important to consider what favorable life experiences may buffer against the harmful effects of minority stress. By better understanding which childhood experiences benefit SGM individuals, efforts can be made to increase access to opportunities for positive experiences in hopes of improving outcomes later in life.