Sexual Minority Adolescents and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Examining School and Coping Factors to Promote Well-being.

PURPOSE: To examine factors associated with well-being among sexual minority adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Data from the March 2021 COVID Rapid Response Research Survey of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study were analyzed. Analysis of variance and chi-squared tests assessed sociodemographic differences by sexual identity (e.g., Lesbian gay, bisexual, or questioning). Adjusted linear regression models examined associations between school and coping factors and mental health (positive affect and perceived stress) between sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents, adjusted for confounders. Equality of coefficient tests compared coefficients for sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents.

RESULTS

Adolescents (Mage = 13.3 years) were racially and ethnically diverse (39% non-white). Sexual minority adolescents had significant lower positive affect (28.3 vs. 32.4, p < .001) and higher perceived stress scores (7.2 vs. 5.5, p < .001). Among sexual minority participants, in-person schooling, taking breaks from the news, caring for one's body, exercising, engaging in healthy behaviors, and making time to relax were significantly associated with higher positive affect and lower perceived stress scores (all p < .05). In-person schooling was particularly protective for sexual minority adolescents.

DISCUSSION: While sexual minority adolescents reported poorer pandemic mental health than heterosexual adolescents, several coping behaviors, and in-person schooling promoted well-being, with in-person schooling offering particular benefits. These findings suggest that supportive school environments can buffer the compounding stressors faced by sexual minority adolescents during crises. Clinicians caring for sexual minority adolescents should consider recommending coping strategies (e.g., breaks from the news, meditation, exercise, sleep) in times of increased stress.