The intersectionality of identity-based victimization in Adolescence:A person-centered examination of mental health and academic achievement in a U.S. high school

Abstract

Introduction: Growing evidence indicates that identity-based victimization (IBV; e.g., discrimination) is traumatic, and associated with mental health and academic concerns. Youth with multiple stigmatized identities face a higher risk of both victimization and poor mental health. The current study enhances a growing research base on intersectional IBV by examining 1) identity, rather than attribution, 2) a range of IBV experiences, 3) both mental health and academic achievement, 4) the mediating role of discrimination across multiple social identities, and 5) including gender expansive youth within a diverse sample representative of a high school population in the U.S.

Methods: A cluster analysis was conducted to provide a nuanced depiction of intersectionality in a diverse sample of high school students (N = 946; ages 14-20, 44% cisgender boys, 53% cisgender girls, 3% gender expansive youth). Outcome and IBV differences across clusters were examined, in addition to the mediation of cluster membership and outcomes by discrimination.

Results: Three distinct profiles of identity emerged: LGBTQ Youth (24%), Heterosexual Youth of Color (37%), and Heterosexual White Youth (39%). LGBTQ Youth and Heterosexual Youth of Color experienced the most IBV, and had higher levels of depression, lower wellbeing, and lower GPAs. Finally, discrimination partially mediated the association between identity and outcomes for LGBTQ youth, and fully mediated this association for Heterosexual Youth of Color.

Conclusions: The disproportionately of IBV, poor mental health, and lower academic achievement faced by LGBTQ youth and youth with intersecting stigmatized identities suggests that they may benefit from tailored and targeted treatments.

Keywords: Bullying; Depression; Discrimination; Identity-based bullying; Stigma; Stigma-based bullying.