The positive effects of family support decreased with age. A test of a protective model found social support did not ameliorate negative effects of victimization. Victimization was associated with psychological distress, but a compensatory model indicated that in the context of this victimization both peer and family support had significant promotive effects.

Most participants reported some form of sexual orientation-related victimization (94%). Racial/ethnic minority and female participants in general reported lower levels of disclosure and acceptance. The majority had disclosed their sexual orientation to family or friends (98%) and 97% had someone in their lives who was accepting. The sample included 425 LGBs between the ages of 16 and 24 year. Research suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are at increased risk for both victimization and internalizing mental health problems, but limited research has studied their association or factors that increase resilience.