A recently published mental health study has found that if parents are more accepting of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents then the chances of suicide, drug abuse and depression in that teen are greatly reduced.
In the study "Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults,” published by the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, researchers assert that LGBT teens whose parents are supportive of their sexuality have far higher self-esteem and thus fare better in avoiding suicide and substance abuse.
“With this new groundbreaking study, Ryan and her colleagues have provided the strongest evidence to date that acceptance and support from parents and caregivers promote well-being among LGBT youth and help protect them from depression and suicidal behavior, “ Ann Haas, director of Prevention Projects for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said in a statement about the study.
The study also found that parents who are highly religious tend not accept their LBGT children.
However, many Christian groups have reacted against the findings of this study by arguing against the notion that religious values contribute to teen suicides and believe that it is possible for Christians to prevent against depression and bullying without condoning what they see as sin.
The research in the study will be used to inform a new evidence-based family model of wellness, prevention and care for LGBT adolescents, in collaboration with Child and Adolescent Services at the University of California, San Francisco.