Suicide Among LGBT- Early Adolescents
Research Project
Suicide among LGBT – Early Adolescence
Suicide among LGBT Adolescence
Early adolescence is a stage rather than an age; it ranges from 10-14 years of age. It is the period in a teen’s life which he or she begins to develop his or her self-identity and gain a sense of belonging in a specific social group, in which they earn group conformity. “Conformity is the process of maintaining or changing behaviour to comply with the norms established by a society, subculture, or other groups.”(Murray, p. 107) Conformity brings forth an ample amount of pressure. The youth tend to change their behaviour, beliefs and image in an attempt to fit in which bestows acceptance and favor from their peers. As the stages of adolescence progress, the development towards their sexual identity and orientation come into being; this could be a challenging stage for the bulk of teens’ lives. Many of them can be in question or doubt, essentially because of the norms and values that exist in society. As teens attempt to meet the expectations that society imparts onto them, they become overwhelmed with superfluous stress. LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual) adolescents experience these kinds of predicaments in their lives; gaining respect by the colloquial society (being accepted by neighbors, co-workers, or even random strangers). Attaining conformity can be an immense challenge, substantially because of their sexual identity. LGBT adolescents concern themselves with various social struggles in their lives which can be completely disempowering. It can take many forms of discrimination, stereotyping, and even emotional/physical/sexual abuse. Dealing with these social struggles brings forth grievous results which at the worst case can be suicide. These complications generally result from the pressures and prejudices of society. (Marcus, p. 36) “These added pressures and prejudices can lead to psychological conflicts,
Suicide among LGBT – Early Adolescence
Suicide among LGBT Adolescence
Early adolescence is a stage rather than an age; it ranges from 10-14 years of age. It is the period in a teen’s life which he or she begins to develop his or her self-identity and gain a sense of belonging in a specific social group, in which they earn group conformity. “Conformity is the process of maintaining or changing behaviour to comply with the norms established by a society, subculture, or other groups.”(Murray, p. 107) Conformity brings forth an ample amount of pressure. The youth tend to change their behaviour, beliefs and image in an attempt to fit in which bestows acceptance and favor from their peers. As the stages of adolescence progress, the development towards their sexual identity and orientation come into being; this could be a challenging stage for the bulk of teens’ lives. Many of them can be in question or doubt, essentially because of the norms and values that exist in society. As teens attempt to meet the expectations that society imparts onto them, they become overwhelmed with superfluous stress. LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual) adolescents experience these kinds of predicaments in their lives; gaining respect by the colloquial society (being accepted by neighbors, co-workers, or even random strangers). Attaining conformity can be an immense challenge, substantially because of their sexual identity. LGBT adolescents concern themselves with various social struggles in their lives which can be completely disempowering. It can take many forms of discrimination, stereotyping, and even emotional/physical/sexual abuse. Dealing with these social struggles brings forth grievous results which at the worst case can be suicide. These complications generally result from the pressures and prejudices of society. (Marcus, p. 36) “These added pressures and prejudices can lead to psychological conflicts,
References: Gay, lesbian youth too often end up on the streets: One-third of homeless youth are gay or lesbian, says study (2012, June 14). CBCNews, p. #1. Huegel, K. (2003). LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer & Questioning Teens. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing Inc Kendall, D., Vicki, L.N., & Edward, G.T Marcus, E. (2010). Why Suicide: Questions & Answers About Suicide, Suicide Prevention, and Coping with the Suicide of Someone You Know. New York: HarperCollins Murray, J.L, Linden, R.,& Kendall, D Tjepkema, M. (2008, November 17). Health Care Use among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Canadians. Statistics Canada, p. # Woodward, J. (2005). Teen Suicide. California: Thomson Corporation Zerbisias, A