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

Authors

• Keith J. Watts, University of KentuckyFollow
• M. Alex Wagaman, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Andrew D. Eaton, University of Regina
• Vivian W. Y. Leung, University of Toronto
• Shelley L. Craig, University of Toronto

Abstract

A 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.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Notes/Citation Information

© 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2023.2261364

Funding Information

This study was funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant (Grant #498466).

Repository Citation

Watts, Keith J.; Wagaman, M. Alex; Eaton, Andrew D.; Leung, Vivian W. Y.; and Craig, Shelley L., "Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ+ Youth" (2025). Social Work Faculty Publications. 24.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_facpub/24