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Is One Good Friend Enough? The Influence of Bullying on Mental Health in TGD versus LGB+ Individuals during Early Adolescence

Samarpreet Singh (2023-24)

Is One Good Friend Enough? The Influence of Bullying on Mental Health in TGD versus LGB+ Individuals during Early Adolescence

Authors: Samarpreet Singh, Claire Midgley, Sheila McDonald, Suzanne C. Tough, Brae Anne McArthur

Abstract

Introduction: Prejudice and discrimination put LGB+ and TGD youth at greater risk of developing poor mental health outcomes. However, most studies use a broader 2SLGBTQ+ sample, ignoring the heterogeneity within this group, notably the greater risk for poor mental health outcomes in TGD youth. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand the relationship between bullying and mental health outcomes and the potential protective influence of having a good friend in LGB+ and TGD youth independently.

Methods: Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted on data from the All Our Families longitudinal cohort (N = 221; age = 12-15 years). Behaviour Assessment System for Children: Third Edition (depression and anxiety), Middle Years Development Instrument (happiness and having a good friend), and self-reports on bullying within the last year were used.

Results: TGD folks had significantly higher depression (p < .001), anxiety (p = .007) and lower happiness scores (p = .001) than the LGB+ group. Bullying was negatively associated with anxiety (p < .001) and depression (p = .016) for the total 2SLGBTQ+ and TGD samples; however, only with anxiety (p = .03) in the LGB+ group. Having one good friend can help reduce anxiety symptoms in bullied TGD youth (p = .019).

Conclusion: This study highlights the influence of bullying on mental health in LGB+ and TGD groups and having one good friend appeared to be particularly impactful for TGD youth. This study highlights the need to study LGB+ and TGD folks separately to acknowledge their unique experiences. It also calls for better supports to implement interventions targeting bullying and enhancing peer relationships.

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