RESILIENCE IN LGBTQ COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Abstract

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) identified persons are subject to prejudice, discrimination, and gender-related physical/emotional violence. Limited research also shows that these individuals experience resilience, a positive response to stressors and adversity. The current study used a mixed methods design, combining published surveys, narrative writing, and EEG measurement, to examine resilience in LGBTQ young adults and college students. Resilience was measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Wagnild-Young Resilience Scale (W-YRS). Participants' conceptualization of adversity was measured by the Chinese Making Sense of Adversity Scale (CMSAS). Participants (N=21) were randomly assigned to an experimental or control condition, and completed scales with resilience or neutral content, respectively. Participants then reflected on the scales they completed. The link between resilience and cortical EEG activity during participants' reflection on the scales was examined by measuring hemispheric asymmetry. Written responses from both conditions on experienced adversity and resilience were recorded. It was hypothesized that participants would show evidence of resilience as measured by the CD-RISC and the W-YRS, the CD-RISC would be positively correlated with the W-YRS, and these two scales would be positively correlated with the CMSAS. An exploratory question addressed the relation of hemispheric asymmetry and resilience. Analyses revealed a correlation between the resilience scales (p<.01). However, due to different scoring criteria of the two scales, participants' mean score on the CD-RISC fell into the lowest quartile while the mean score on the W-YRS was in the moderately high range. The difference was possibly due to different scoring criteria of the scales. Though no statistical significance was found from EEG results, the C4/C3 electrode pair approached significance with greater left hemispheric activity relative to the right hemisphere in the experimental condition. Themes from the written narratives included facing adversity, using resources, and maintaining a positive attitude.