Sexual orientation and health among Icelandic year 10 adolescents: 2006 to 2014

Abstract

Research suggests that mental health and wellbeing can be adversely affected in minority sexual orientation adolescents. The total population of 16 year olds in Iceland were surveyed in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Of those, about 3.1%, 3.6%, and 4.4%, respectively, identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Participants completed questions relating to school and life satisfaction (including liking school and classmate friendliness and acceptance); bullying (whether they had been bullied or been a bully); family's financial situation; social support (from friends and family); general health and condom use; and drug use. Results indicated that compared to adolescents of unknown sexual orientation, LGB adolescents tended to experience more negative outcomes across all three time points. They disliked school and experienced lower classmate acceptance; had lower life satisfaction; were more likely to be bullied or be a bully; had a worse family financial situation; had less social support from friends and family; and a greater prevalence of drug use and worse overall general health. However, this disparity appears to be receding. From 2010 to 2014, some positive changes were observed for LGB adolescents, including an increased liking of school; reductions in being bullied or bullying others; improvements in the family financial situation; increased social support from family and friends; and reduced drug use. While improvements in wellbeing and health are beginning to occur, gaps still exist and could be addressed via school-and society-based programs.