Unfortunately, much of the extant research on LGB adolescent developmental factors has had a primary focus on traumatic life experiences such as victimization, harassment, and rejection, and the subsequent negative impact of such events on mental and physical health outcomes (c.f., Bontempo & D’Augelli, 2002 D’Augelli, 2002 2006 D’Augelli & Hershberger, 1993 Garofalo, & Harper, 2003 Pilkington & D’Augelli, 1995 Ryan, Huebner, Diaz & Sanchez, 2009 Savin-Williams & Cohen, 1996 Telljohan & Price, 1993). When these influences are negative, psychological distress among adolescents may result, especially for those youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual ( Almeida, Johnson, Corliss, Molnar & Azrael, 2009 Hershberger & D’Augelli, 1995 Ueno, 2005).
Adolescent development is influenced by different levels of social interaction within multiple environmental systems ( Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1995), thus a range of individuals, peers and communities can play a significant role in an adolescent’s developing sense of identity. One of the most critical developmental tasks during adolescence is the development of a unique and personal identity ( Adams, Gullotta, & Montemayor, 1992 Erikson, 1980). Adolescence is a developmental period where young people are maturing physically, emotionally and socially as they transition into adulthood ( Erikson, 1980 Hill, 1983).