Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ + Youth

AbstractA sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQ + youth. Black LGBTQ + youth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQ + youth in the United States and Canada. Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQ + youth’s mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.Keywords: Black LGBTQyouthmental healthbelongingnessminority stress Disclosure statementThe authors have no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article to declare.Additional informationFundingThis study was funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant (Grant #498466).