Guidance for LDS families with LGBT children
By robert a. rees and william s. bradshaw
Published Dec 11, 2010 01:01AM
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/50842640-82/family-families-lgbt-acceptance.html.cspA compelling new study adds to the mounting evidence that family acceptance or rejection of adolescent sexual orientation and gender identity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children has a major impact on their mental health as young adults.
The research shows a clear key link between family acceptance of LGBT adolescents and their well-being into adulthood. The study, directed by Dr. Caitlin Ryan and her team at the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University, was just published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, a publication of the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses.
This new research shows for the first time that family acceptance not only has a protective effect against negative outcomes, including suicide attempts, depression and substance abuse, it also has significant positive effects, including enhanced self-esteem, social support and general health.
