Influence of gender and sexual orientation1
Influence of gender, sexual orientation, and need on
treatment utilization for substance use and mental disorders:
Findings from the California Quality of Life Survey
Barry D. Thibault
University of West Georgia
Influence of gender and sexual orientation
Journal Summary
The reviewed journal discusses the influence and contributions of gender, sexual orientation, and mental disorders of student"sexual minorities." These sexual minorities include gay, lesbian, bi-sexual (GLB) students within the developmental periods ofadolescence through early adulthood. In the context of the journal, a "sexual minority" is definedto be a student that is attracted to and/or sexually or emotionally interestedin someone other than the opposite sex; the student may or may not have acted upon those desires.
These "sexual minorities" are twice as likely as heterosexuals (straight students) to need help for mental health issues. These issues can include suicidal tendencies to dealing with substance and drug abuse. It is important to understand that gay, lesbian and bisexual students may have other more specific treatment needs (social anxieties, emotional stress, depression) compared to heterosexual students, depending on individual circumstances and environments.
The complexity of student gender and sexualorientation greatly influence the chance of depression, suicide and other mental health disorders when students try to "define" their specific sexual minority. The critical outcome of the study shows that it is the negative defining (self-identifying) that is the crucial dynamic, rather than the actual sexual behavior of the students. A population-based sample of (GLB) students were studied and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.Secondaryinvestigating shows that the external environmental surroundings (peers, classroom, family, religious beliefs)with the student's concern for acceptance to "fit in" were possiblecontributors to the disorder amongst these students.
Impact on Life-span and Development
The impactof sexuality and gender issues on life-span, human growth and development have been discussed by many psychology experts and doctors. New medical developments and scientific discoveries over years suggest that environment (Nurture) Vs. Genetic Disposition (Nature) and other related socio/geneticaspects have all been evaluated as a contributing factor to one's sexuality and orientation.
Future studies in research will continue to focus on the effects of sexual minorities in regards to the cognitive, social, personality, and emotional development. The problems facing these individuals and society that causes students who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual need to be further investigated to prevent additionaldiscrimination, mental health, substance and other evolving problems that may materialize.
Educational Implications
As a teacher, I must learn to focus more on teaching tolerance, diversity, respect and self image while understanding the indifferences between my students. Teaching that we are all diverse while appreciating the differences and understanding ofothers combined with teaching the student self-worth; will allow students to feel safe during any psychological adjustments they will go with their life-span and development.
"This is the first study that has separated sexual identity from sexual attractions and behaviors in looking at risk for poor mental health outcomes with students" (Thombs, 2009). A school-wide tolerance initiative is mandatory for all students while teaching the understanding of acceptance in eachclassroom. I believe this study along with this newly earned information will allow further investigation and research into accomplishing this with all my students.
Personal Reflection
As a "sexual minority" student myself, I can understand and empathize with students that are going through these gender and sexuality issues in my classroom. Being a gay student in the 1980's was filled with complications because of the environment and social fears and/concerns of what others were always thinking of me. That fear alone caused anxiety and social concerns that others probably never knew were prevalent, especially teachers and family.
I do understand what it is like to be "picked on,"while mental health issues and substance abuse definitely became another problem I had to struggle with on my own. Today, I accept the fact that I am still a "sexual minority" and I have overcome the mental health issues (suicide and depression); but still struggle with self worth and all the issues that it brings when I compare myself with other friends and family that are not of the "sexual minority" classification.
As a teacher in the classroom, reading this journal reminded me that I need to look at my own individual students and the way they identify and socialize with others and prepare to refer to a school social worker for suggestions and guidance. Like me as a child, students are fragile with their emotions and sharing the feelings of being different than others.
Some students in the class may try to hide and suppress while others become behavioral problems and class deviants. All are affected in some way as this will also influence their attitudes and how they soon learn to identify themselves for the rest of their adult lives. Highlights of this article include the need to fully understand the many factors that may influence decisions, choices and the attitudes among sexual minorities in my classroom.
Journal References:
Christine E. Grella, Lisa Greenwell, Vickie M. Mays and Susan D. Cochran. Influence of gender, sexual orientation, and need on treatment utilization for substance use and mental disorders: findings from the california quality of life survey. BioMed Central (2009, August 13).
Retrieved August 20, 2010, from:
Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) (May 5, 2010). APA formatting and style guide. Retrieved August 19, 2010, from:
Santrock, J.W., (2008). Essentials of life-span development (1st ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.