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This study examined differences among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youths in their perceptions of adult support. For socially stigmatized youths, adult support is of particular significance. However, there is very little understanding about how adult support protects youths from homophobic victimization as well as other risk factors. In this study, 2 models depicting the influence of adult support on sexual orientation victimization (SOV), school avoidance, and substance use were examined. In the 1st model, the indirect impact of adult support on school avoidance and substance use via SOV was examined. In the 2nd model, the role of adult support as a moderator buffering the impact of SOV on school avoidance and substance use was evaluated. Secondary students in Grades 8--12 from 18 schools in a large urban district (N = 19,551) took part in a districtwide survey on the social experiences of youths within the school context. Results provided support for both models, confirming that adult support is an important contributor to school adjustment, although just how adult support protects youths varied across different sexual orientation groups.
Darwich et al. (Tue,) studied this question.