Bullying has long lasting negative effects on the self-esteem of gay individuals. Studies have shown that nearly half of gay people experienced bullying in school, resulting in poor academic performance, truancy, dropping out, and increased rates of suicide attempts. The effects of bullying can continue into adulthood with higher rates of substance abuse, psychological distress, and poor mental health outcomes in those who were bullied. Bullying in any form, whether physical, verbal, or relational, significantly damages the well-being and development of gay youth.
Abuse and mistreatment in the adolescent period - by Dr. Bozzi Domenico (Mast...
The Effects Of Bullying On The Gay Persons Self Esteem
2. The Effects of Bullying on the Gay Persons Self
Esteem
Abstract
The research that has been done regarding gay
individuals and their self esteem is to show what effect
does bullying have if any on their self esteem. In all the
articles that are in the Lit review it is shown that
bullying has long lasting effects on the self esteem.
3. Findings
According to the authors' reports and the most recent
publication from the National Center for Education
Statistics on School Safety (Nolle, Guerino, &
Dinkes, 2007), 43% of middle school educators report
that student bullying occurs at school daily or weekly.
4. Findings
“Homophobic bullying is recognized by psychologists as a
serious problem for young
Lesbians and gay men (D’Augelli, 1998; Rivers, 1995, 1996).
Lesbian and gay
Psychologists have examined the nature, frequency and
psychological impact of
In a study shown by D’Augelli it was found that up to half
of lesbians and gay men have experienced some form of
bullying in school and “many school problems of lesbian,
gay, and bisexual students, such as poor academic
performance, truancy, and dropping out of school, are
direct or indirect results of verbal and physical abuse
perpetrated by peers or others in school” (p. 200).”
5. Findings
In another study it is shown that gay bullying is
affecting not only the United States but other
countries as well. There are reports in Australia where
homophobic bullying is quite the normal and the
article; “Gay and Lesbian Issues” sums it up perfectly. I
would say that an affect that bullying has on gays is
fear. “It is evident that only 16% of incidents of
homophobic abuse, harassment and violence to the
police and liaison officers were reported.”
(Nagabhusha 2011 page 80-82)
6. Findings
In a study by Rivers, some effects that gay bullying has on
adolescents are that of posttraumatic
stress, depression, and having more casual sexual partners
than those who have not been bullied. There were also
reports of using prescription and non prescription drugs
and alcohol to cope with memories of bullying as adults.
Nightmares and flashbacks or even suicide are some effects
as well. (Rivers 2004). There are also reports of self loathing
and internalizing the homophobia the adults felt as
adolescents. 20% of gay men and women have
contemplated or attempted suicide due to bullying
experiences. In one study in the UK 21%of participants
experienced psychological distress when in situations that
remind them of their school days being bullied. (Rivers).
7. Findings
Children’s mental health, achievement, self-
concept, and a child’s ability to form social
relationships.” (Birkett). This is why when there is
bullying in schools and especially in the gay
community it really effects them negatively as adults.
72% of a sample of LGB adults who reported being
bullied as children over their sexual orientation were
likely to have played sick or were truant in order to
avoid abuse at school. (Birkett).
8. Other than the bullying and vicimizalation that gays feel in
school there is also the feeling of having less peer
interaction of a positive kind. There is limited supportive
interaction between friends and family members.
Adolescence is a developmental period during which
questioning one’s place along the sexuality spectrum
typically occurs. As the sexual aspect of the self emerges
and becomes increasingly more central to
identity, questions
Of non-heterosexuality may arise and becomes a
predominant focus for adolescents who question their own
sexuality
9. Findings
, in a large representative high school-based sample of
adolescents, sexual minority youths were more likely than
their peers to report being physically threatened, injured
with a weapon, fearful of attending school, and of having
property stolen or deliberately damaged by peers.
(Williams).
Even after the bullying is over the aftermath stays for a
lifetime. Children who are involved in bullying behavior
should be actively screened for psychiatric problems and
suicidality. (Klomek). Name-calling and physical abuse are
not the only ways of bullying. A newer trend of bullying has
hit the surface and that is cyber bullying which is bullying
over the internet.
10. Findings
Espalage (2008) found that the types of bullying that
can occur in schools can vary greatly. Rumor spreading
(59%) and social isolation (27%), which could be
considered relational forms of aggression, are also
ways of bullying. The articles relate to each other
because they build off each other in the way that it a
common theme that when gay individuals are bullied
it affects their self worth in the way of
drugs, alcohol, promescuity, suicide, and self loathing.
11. Conclusion
This literature review has reviewed current research to
answer the following question: what is the effect of
bullying on gay individuals. My hypothesis has been
supported because bullying has affected gay people in the
way of substance abuse, suicide and more. Further research
can be done to show in what types of bullying effects gay
people more whether it be name calling or physical
bullying and what can be done to stop it. This research
question is important because bullying and gay rights are
important topics in today’s society and combing the two
ideas is a way to get the message across that gay bullying
has negative effects on these individuals
12. References
Clarke, V., Kitzinger, C., & Potter, J. (2004). 'Kids are just cruel anyway': Lesbian and gay parents' talk
about homophobic bullying. British Journal Of Social Psychology, 43(4), 531-550.
Conoley, J. (2008). Sticks and stones can break my bones and words can really hurt me. School
Psychology Review, 37(2), 217-220. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/219655761?accountid=34899
Espelage, D., Aragon, S., Birkett, M., & Koenig, B. (2008). Homophobic teasing, psychological
outcomes, and sexual orientation among high school students: What influence do parents and
schools have? School Psychology Review, 37(2), 202-216. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/219656078?accountid=34899
Gould MS, Greenberg T, Velting DM, et al. Youth suicide risk and preventive interventions: a review
of the past 10 years. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003;53:1155-11
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Vol. 34, No. 5, October 2005, pp. 471–482 ( C _ 2005)
Nagabhushan, P. (2011). Speaking out: Stopping homophobic and transphobic abuse in queensland.
Gay and Lesbian Issues and Psychology Review, 7(1), 80-82. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/894273124?accountid=34899
Rivers, I. (2004). Recollections of bullying at school and their long-term implications for lesbians, gay
men, and bisexuals. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 25(4), 169-175.
doi:10.1027/0227-5910.25.4.169
Notas del editor
There is also stipulation of who is reporting these cases of abuse. Only 16% of abuse cases go reported and that is because the shame gets worse by telling someone about the abuse. (2011). Nagabhushan, P. (2011).
Adolescent gay bullying doesn’t only occur in “out” adolescents, it also occurs with those who are questioning their sexuality. Students who are questioning their sexuality are bullied more often taking a toll on their self esteem as well as act more truant than other students and are having depression as well as suicidal thoughts/ attempts
Less social support from their peers may encourage negative bullying and the affects. Truancy, prostitution and running away are common negative side effects of bullying. (Williams 2008). There is definitely a connection between peers and the experience of how gay individuals turn out. If their experience is a good one then they will more than likely end up healthy and well adjusted and if they are bullied mercilessly then their experience will be a bad one.
)”. Other affects that can occur would be self harming, risk taking behaviors, eating disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse. Suicide is one of the affects that bullying has on gay individuals because they are teased mercilessly and has no way to escape it but to take their own life.
This research question is important because bullying and gay rights are important topics in today’s society and combing the two ideas is a way to get the message across that gay bullying has negative effects on these individuals