Publication Information: Örebro universitet, Institutionen för beteende-, social- och rättsvetenskap
Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padova, Italy; Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
Centre for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Abstract: Introduction: Increased rates of mental health issues among LGBTQ+ people have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young people. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2021 with 61 young adult LGBTQ+ people residing in France, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK. Each interview was summarized on a template covering the participants’ experiences of pandemic restrictions, mental health, and minority stress during this period. A thematic analysis was conducted on the templates. Results: The pandemic restrictions had a large impact on the participants’ lives, leaving them stuck at home. Not having access to the LGBTQ+ community was an additional stress, as this is a venue for support. Half of the participants had suffered from mental health issues during the pandemic. Those who were living in non-affirmative households had a particularly difficult time and experienced overwhelming stress. Increased feelings of gender dysphoria were seen among trans participants due to the lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare. Most participants experienced less distal minority stress than usual due to social isolation restrictions. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social restrictions had a large impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ young adults. Many experience worse mental health, although relief from distal minority stress was common. Policy Implications: Policy makers must consider the needs of LGBTQ+ young adults as they seek to explore and establish their gender and/or sexual identity. During a pandemic, it is particularly important to help young LGBTQ+ people to engage with the LGBTQ+ community. ; Open access funding provided by Linköping University, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, AM 2021-0005, Anna Malmquist, Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università degli Studi di Padova,prot. BIRD195080, Marina Miscioscia, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, SFRH/PD/BD/143068/2018, Jorge Gato, British Academy, BA COV19_201169, Fiona Tasker.
Processing Request
No Comments.