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Childhood Gender Atypicality, Victimization, and PTSD Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth

NCJ Number
235266
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2006 Pages: 1462-1482
Author(s)
Anthony R. D’Augelli; Arnold H. Grossman; Michael T. Starks
Date Published
November 2006
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined victimization based on sexual orientation, and current mental health, including trauma symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Abstract
This study examined childhood gender atypicality, lifetime victimization based on sexual orientation, and current mental health, including trauma symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among 528 lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Nearly 80 percent reported verbal victimization, 11 percent physical, and 9 percent sexual, with males reporting significantly more victimization. Victimization began, on average, at age 13. Verbal attacks occurred as early as age 6, physical attacks at 8, and sexual attacks at 9. Youth who were considered gender atypical in childhood reported more victimization and more current mental health symptoms. PTSD was found in 9 percent of youth and was associated with past physical victimization. (Published Abstract)