Open AccessStatus of Mental Health in Rural LGBTQ+ Youth
Author(s) -
Stephanie Gariscsak
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
rural review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2563-1608
DOI - 10.21083/ruralreview.v2i1.6063
Subject(s) - mental health , psychology , lesbian , sociology , gender studies , gerontology , medicine , psychiatry
On average, individuals who identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum experience lower levels of mental health in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts (Tjepkema, 2008). This being said, knowledge on the current status of LGBTQ+ youth residing in rural communities is significantly lacking (Ross et al., 2016). The goal of this research project was to explore the lived experience of LGBTQ+ youth residing in rural communities. Methods for this study included partnering with community organization Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) in order to facilitate a body mapping work-shop with LGBTQ+ rural youth. Body mapping was used to give youth a platform to discuss their experiences with mental health. The completion of this research will contribute to bridging the current gap of youth perspectives in literature surrounding LGBTQ+ rural youth mental health. This study was approved by the research an Ethics board of the University of Guelph.