ERIC Number: EJ1471072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1981
EISSN: EISSN-1552-6127
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Caregivers' Perspectives on Supporting Sexual and Gender-Diverse Youth in Adolescent Relationship Abuse Prevention
Erin Mickievicz1,2; Callie Laubacher1,2; Coley Alston3; Johanna Burnett4; Alicyn Simpson1,5; Lynz Sickler6; Brian O'Connor7; Jesse Mahler7; Joseph Amodei8; Elizabeth Miller1; Daniel Shaw1; Robert W. S. Coulter1; Maya I. Ragavan1,2
Health Education & Behavior, v52 n3 p319-328 2025
Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) has significant sequelae and is more prevalent among sexual and gender-diverse youth (SGDY). Increased parental involvement and communication has been linked to decreased prevalence of ARA and associated health risks. Parents of SGDY may have unique needs and experiences regarding communicating with their children about ARA, yet little research has examined this area. This study explored caregivers' current practices around supporting their SGDY in healthy relationship formation and ARA prevention; caregivers' perceptions about ARA among SGDY; and their recommendations for developing ARA prevention-focused interventions for caregivers of SGDY. We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with caregivers of SGDY aged 12 to 19. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Some participants reported having positive, open communication with their SGDY about dating, while others struggled to understand and respond to the unique risks of ARA experienced by their adolescent. Caregivers discussed ways systemic discrimination affects SGDY experiences of relationships and ARA, and distinct dating challenges for gender-diverse youth. When considering caregiver-focused ARA prevention, participants supported a program including ARA education, communication skills building, and caregiver affirmation. Participants encouraged the use of digital and in-person mediums, experienced and relatable facilitators, and SGDY involvement. Caregivers of SGDY had significant strengths and challenges when engaging and communicating with their child around dating and ARA prevention. Caregivers at varying stages of acceptance and understanding believed they could benefit from a comprehensive and inclusive education program on SGDY ARA experiences and how they can support their child in preventing ARA.
Descriptors: Sexual Abuse, Prevention, Risk, Health Behavior, Health, LGBTQ People, Parent Child Relationship, Correlation, Dating (Social), Parent Attitudes, Adolescents, Preadolescents, Violence, Participant Characteristics, Gender Identity, Social Discrimination, Interpersonal Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH); National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: K23HD109425; K01AA027564
Author Affiliations: 1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 2UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 3Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 4Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 5PFLAG Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; 6Proud Haven, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 7Futures Without Violence, San Francisco, CA, USA; 8Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA