Resilience Portfolio: Strengths Promoting Well-Being in Sexually Diverse Youth

Sexually diverse youth (SDY), including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and pansexual youth, face significant challenges, being nearly three times more likely to experience victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. Among SDY, bisexual youth are at higher risk of interpersonal violence than gay youth. It is well documented that interpersonal violence can lead to serious consequences for SDY, such as depression and trauma symptoms. However, the outcomes associated with victimization are heterogeneous, and some youth appear to fare better despite adversity. This study aimed to explore the strengths that help SDY navigate their challenges and contribute to their well-being. An online survey was conducted, and 4,122 youth aged 14 to 25, including 251 gay youth and 585 bisexual youth, completed measures of victimization and indicators derived from the Resilience Portfolio Model: Scales for Youth. This study compared victimization rates, level of trauma symptoms, and level of well-being of gay youth, bisexual youth, and heterosexual youth using ANOVAs. Multiple linear regressions were then conducted to identify the strengths associated with well-being among youth according to their sexual orientation. SDY had a higher level of trauma symptoms and a lower level of well-being than heterosexual youth. SDY also had fewer strengths that promote resilience than heterosexual youth. Notably, purpose stood out as the most significant predictor of well-being among all sexual orientations. Practitioners working with SDY could assist them in developing strengths–especially a sense of purpose–to build their resilience and enhance their well-being.