Work

We are not the same: Latent profiles of political engagement among LGB young adults during the 2024 presidential campaign

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A healthy democracy depends on political engagement underscoring the importance of understanding distinct ways in which lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) young adults respond to the current political moment. Political engagement can be conceptualized along a spectrum from manifest (civic advocacy) and latent engagement (informal discourse, such as consuming political news or engaging in interpersonal debates). Yet little is known about how these forms of political activities co-occur or are shaped by contextual and individual influences, particularly during periods of heightened political polarization and anti-LGB rhetoric, such as the months leading up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. To address this gap, the present study employed a person-centered analytic approach to examine profiles of political engagement based on manifest and latent political behaviors, (civic advocacy, attention to political news, interpersonal political conflict), contextual factors (exposure to discrimination, perceived political climate) and individual factors (LGB identity centrality, political hope). Participants included 483 LGB young adults (30.2 % Lesbian, 41.2 % Gay, 28.6 % Bisexual; 38.7 % Black, 26.9 % Hispanic, 34.4 % non-Hispanic White; M age = 23.12 SD = 2.17, range = 18–35) surveyed a month prior to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Latent profile analysis supported a four-profile solution: Disengaged Citizens, Engaged Citizens, Under-engaged Citizens, and Standby Citizens. These profiles were also differentially associated with demographic characteristics. Findings extend typological frameworks by illustrating how LGB young adults navigate sociopolitical environments shaped by both marginalization and resilience and underscore the value of tailored strategies to foster inclusive political participation during periods of heightened political polarization.

Source: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2025.101908

Authors: Yea Won Park, Celia B. Fisher

Institution: Fordham University

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,580