Navigating Queer Identities in Rural Communities: The Role of Social Support in Shaping LGBQ+ Adolescents’ Identity Development
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ+) develop their identities within complex social contexts. In rural settings, limited access to affirming resources and greater exposure to stigma may further shape identity development. Guided by social ecological and minority stress theories, this study examined whether perceived family and friend support predict identity affirmation and internalized homonegativity among rural LGBQ+ adolescents. Participants included 53 adolescents ages 13 to 18 drawn from a larger dataset. Group differences across demographic variables were examined, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive role of family and friend support. No significant group differences emerged for identity affirmation or internalized homonegativity. Friend support was a significant positive predictor of identity affirmation, whereas family support was not. The overall model predicting internalized homonegativity was not significant; however, friend support was a significant negative predictor, indicating that greater friend support was associated with lower internalized homonegativity. Findings highlight the importance of friendships in the identity development of rural LGBQ+ adolescents. Friend support may function as a more proximal and affirming source of support in contexts where family support is variable. Implications of this study include the need to strengthen affirming friendships and expand access to supportive resources for LGBQ+ youth in rural communities.
Source: Lincoln (University of Nebraska)
Author: Pierson, Michaela Elaine
Institution: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7171755115