Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Primary Minor

Leadership Studies

Second Minor

Clinical & Counseling Science

Thesis Advisor

Kendra Hoepper, DNP, APRN, PHP-C

Abstract

Background: LGBTQIA+ youth with unsupportive backgrounds face negative outcomes in their mental health. Past studies share that LGBTQIA+ youth have increased symptoms of mental illness including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors related to unsupportive environments among parents, peers, and society. Objective: By advocating for this minority group through education and culturally competent care, healthcare providers can reduce negative outcomes in the mental and physical well-being of the youth. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address the impact of parental and societal support in LGBTQIA+ mental health, and to implement interventions and increase awareness of this issue. Method: The proposed research will utilize a cross-sectional correlational design on 1,000 LGBTQIA+ youth aged 13-17 with parental consent or IRB approval. Individuals will answer statements through a Likert scale rated from 1-6 and their mental health will be evaluated through PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for anxiety. Results: The anticipated results will be that low or absent parental and societal support increases adverse mental health outcomes in LGBTQIA+ youth, while strong support is correlated with decreased adverse mental health outcomes. Conclusion: In healthcare, addressing parental and societal support towards LGBTQIA+ youth promotes culturally competent care and decreases adverse mental health outcomes for sexual and gender minorities. This study highlights the importance of interventions and change in unsupportive backgrounds to improve the future of LGBTQIA+ youth mental health.

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