Greater Engagement in Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and GSA Characteristics Predict Youth Empowerment and Reduced Mental Health Concerns

V. Paul Poteat, Jerel P. Calzo, Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Arthur Lipkin, Christopher J. Ceccolini, Sarah B. Rosenbach, Michael D. O’Brien, Robert A. Marx, Gabriel R. Murchison, Esther Burson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Extracurricular groups can promote healthy development, yet the literature has given limited attention to indirect associations between extracurricular involvement and mental health or to sexual and gender minority youth. Among 580 youth (Mage = 15.59, range = 10–20 years) and adult advisors in 38 Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), multilevel structural equation models showed that greater engagement in GSAs over the school year predicted increased perceived peer validation, self-efficacy to promote social justice, and hope (baseline adjusted). Through increased hope, greater engagement indirectly predicted reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms at the year’s end (baseline adjusted). GSAs whose members had more mental health discussions and more meetings reported reduced mental health concerns. Findings suggest how groups addressing issues of equity and justice improve members’ health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1509-1528
Number of pages20
JournalChild development
Volume91
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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