A snapshot of gay-straight alliance clubs and student well-being in Western Canadian high schools
Faculty Advisor
Date
2023
Keywords
gay-straight alliance, high school, self-determination, bullying, depression
Abstract (summary)
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs promote safer school environments for students. GSAs typically refer to student-led, teacher-supported school clubs that serve youth of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. This study investigated the relationship between students’ awareness of school-based GSAs and their bullying experiences, mental health, self-determination, and relationships at school and home. Findings showed that LGBTQ2S+ students experienced higher rates of bullying and symptoms of depression and scored lower on self-determination subscales than cisgender heterosexual students. Interestingly, students who were aware of their school’s GSA club scored higher on the self-determination subscales regarding family relationships and lower on bullying compared to students who were unaware of their school’s GSA club. LGBTQ2S+ students had lower rates of comfort with their sexual orientation at home and school than their cisgender heterosexual students. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Publication Information
Di Stasio, M., Alston, L., & Harley, J. (2023). A Snapshot of Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs and Student Well-Being in Western Canadian High Schools. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 38(2), 144–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735231170337
Notes
Item Type
Article Post-Print
Language
Rights
Attribution (CC BY)
