Examining the Role of Peer and Family Belongingness in the Mental Health of Black LGBTQ+Youth

A sense of belonging to familial and peer networks is crucial for the mental health of LGBTQthornyouth. Black LGBTQthornyouth report feeling rejected and isolated due to their sexual and/or gender identities. Utilizing linear regression analyses, this study explored the relationship between peer and family belongingness and levels of depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health among 181 Black LGBTQthornyouth in the United States and Canada. Findings suggest that family and peer belongingness are important factors in Black LGBTQthornyouth's mental health and warrant further study into the protective nature of peer and family relationships for this population.