Go Back Research Article October, 2020

Sexual identity development and sexual well-being: Differences between sexual minority and non-sexual minority former foster youth

Author James Dennis Fortenberry Author Jeffry W. Thigpen Author Richard A. Brandon-Friedman Author Barbara Pierce Author Elizabeth A Wahler

Abstract

Little is known about differences in the levels of sexual well-being, sexual identity development, or sexual health outcomes between sexual minority and non-sexual minority youth in the foster care system. Using a sample of youth formerly in the foster care system, this study compared the sexual well-being, sexual identity development, and sexual health outcomes of sexual minority and non-sexual minority youth and found that sexual minority youth have lower levels of sexual well-being, have less developed sexual identities, and experience more sexual victimization and unintended pregnancies of themselves or of a partner than their non-sexual minority peers. These results indicate that the sexuality-related needs of sexual minority youth in the foster care system are not being met. Attention to the sexual development of sexual minority youth and means through which to enhance their sexual identity development and increase their sexual well-being are needed.

Keywords

sexual development lgbtq+ youth sexual health outcomes foster youth child welfare sexual identity development sexual well-being sexual minority youth non-sexual minority youth foster care system sexual victimization unintended pregnancies sexuality-related needs adolescent sexual health youth sexual development sexual identity formation marginalized youth queer youth health sexual health disparities sexual risk factors adolescent well-being inclusive sexual education youth mental health sexual empowerment
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Details
Volume 117
Pages 105294
DOI 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105294
ISSN 1873-7765
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