The importance of mentors and mentoring programs for LGBT+ undergraduate students
Item
Title
The importance of mentors and mentoring programs for LGBT+ undergraduate students
Link
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/837530/pdf
List of Authors
Michael Philip Dentato
Abstract
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender + (LGBT+) undergraduate student community are at heightened risk for a variety of health and mental health challenges due to unsupportive environments which may include home, school, and society. However, research underscores the importance of mentors, mentorship, and other social supports upon the mental health of LGBT+ youth, especially when navigating discriminatory experiences. An online survey was conducted among LGBT+ undergraduate college students within one mid-sized university located in the Midwest to assess experiences with discrimination, perceptions of mentoring, and the beneficial components of mentoring programs. 289 LGBT+ undergraduate students (65.7% cisgender female, 47.8% ages 19–20, 51.2% bisexual) responded with 71.6% of participants reporting no current LGBT+ mentor. 56.4% either agreed or strongly agreed that acceptance of the LGBT+ community could be improved at the university. Discussion centers upon the importance of mentoring programs for LGBT+ undergraduate students to provide support and create a more affirming college experience.
Date
October 6, 2021
Publication Title
The College Student Affairs Journal
Publisher
Southern Association for College Student Affairs
Identifier
https//doi.org/10.1353/csj.2021.0016
Bibliographic Citation
Sarna, V., Dentato, M. P., DiClemente, C. M., & Richards, M. H. (2021). The importance of mentors and mentoring programs for LGBT+ undergraduate students. The College Student Affairs Journal, 39(2), 180-199. https//doi.org/10.1353/csj.2021.0016