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Publication
Suporte social como contributo para um desenvolvimento harmonioso da identidade sexual LGB
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Abstract(s)
A literatura tem demonstrado que adolescentes e jovens com suporte social
apresentam maior aceitação e uma atitude positiva acerca da sua orientação sexual
homossexual, na medida em que manifestam baixos níveis de homofobia internalizada (Elizur
& Ziv, 2001; Willoughby, Malik & Lindahl, 2006). Além disso, Savin-Williams (2001)
sugere que a resiliência tem um papel relevante junto da população Lésbica, Gay e Bissexual,
porém, são escassos os estudos que têm em conta o seu papel. Por outro lado, existem
diversos estudos que reforçam os sintomas relativos a uma reduzida saúde mental no âmbito
desta população (D’Augelli, Pilkington & Hershberger, 2002).
Este estudo tem como objectivo analisar se a percepção de suporte social contribui para
a redução da homofobia internalizada, proporcionando níveis mais elevados de resiliência e
de saúde mental nos jovens LGB. A amostra foi constituída por 155 participantes, de ambos
os sexos, com idades entre os 16 e os 22 anos que se auto-identificaram como LGB. Aplicouse
um instrumento constituído pelas seguintes medidas: a) Percepção do Suporte Social, b)
Resiliência, c) Saúde Mental e d) Homofobia Internalizada.
Os resultados mostram que a percepção de suporte social contribui para uma redução da
homofobia internalizada, bem como para a promoção de comportamentos resilientes e bons
níveis de saúde mental. Observaram-se igualmente diferenças significativas nos níveis de
homofobia internalizada em função do género, sendo que os rapazes evidenciam maiores
índices da mesma.
ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with social support show more acceptance and hold a positive attitude regarding their homosexual sexual orientation, as they manifest low levels of internalized homophobia (Elizur & Ziv, 2001; Willoughby, Malik & Lindahl, 2006). Furthermore, Savin-Williams (2001) suggests that resilience plays an important role within Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youth, although studies that consider this variable are scarce. On the other hand, there are several studies that focus on the symptoms of low mental health within this population (D’Augelli, Pilkington & Hershberger, 2002). This study aims to explore if the perception of social support accounts for a decrease in levels of internalized homophobia and promotes higher levels of resilience and of mental health in LGB youth. A sample of 155 participants was collected, from both genders, aged between 16 and 22 years old, and self-identified LGB. A questionnaire booklet was designed for this study consisting of the following measures: a) Perception of Social Support, b) Resilience, c) Mental Health and d) Internalized Homophobia. Results showed that the perception of social support contributed for a decrease of internalized homophobia, as well as for high levels of resilience and mental health. It was also shown that there were gender differences in levels of internalized homophobia, in which the higher levels were revealed by male adolescents.
ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with social support show more acceptance and hold a positive attitude regarding their homosexual sexual orientation, as they manifest low levels of internalized homophobia (Elizur & Ziv, 2001; Willoughby, Malik & Lindahl, 2006). Furthermore, Savin-Williams (2001) suggests that resilience plays an important role within Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youth, although studies that consider this variable are scarce. On the other hand, there are several studies that focus on the symptoms of low mental health within this population (D’Augelli, Pilkington & Hershberger, 2002). This study aims to explore if the perception of social support accounts for a decrease in levels of internalized homophobia and promotes higher levels of resilience and of mental health in LGB youth. A sample of 155 participants was collected, from both genders, aged between 16 and 22 years old, and self-identified LGB. A questionnaire booklet was designed for this study consisting of the following measures: a) Perception of Social Support, b) Resilience, c) Mental Health and d) Internalized Homophobia. Results showed that the perception of social support contributed for a decrease of internalized homophobia, as well as for high levels of resilience and mental health. It was also shown that there were gender differences in levels of internalized homophobia, in which the higher levels were revealed by male adolescents.
Description
Dissertação de mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universitário
Keywords
Identidade sexual Suporte social Homofobia internalizada Resiliência Saúde mental Sexual identity Social support Internalized homophobia Resilience Mental health