UW–Madison study finds pandemic alleviated some mental health risks for LGBTQ+ students – UW-Madison

By Laurel White

Moves to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may have mitigated some mental health challenges for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender-expansive (LGBTQ+) students, according to a new study from UW–Madison researchers. 

According to the study, which analyzed survey data from more than 40,000 middle and high school students before and during the pandemic, LGBTQ+ students reported fewer suicide attempts and less bullying from their peers in 2021 than 2018.

“These findings suggest pandemic-related school disruptions may have provided LGBTQ+ students some relief from the harmful effects of poor, in-person school climates,” the study authors wrote. “This aspect of our findings points to the urgent need for policymakers and school leaders to address the systemic harms LGBTQ+ students experience as schools have shifted back to in-person schooling again.”

The study, “LGBTQ+ Students’ Peer Victimization and Mental Health before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” was published last month in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The research was led by Erin Gill, a doctoral student in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and Mollie McQuillan, an assistant professor in the department.

The analysis also noted that despite declines in peer victimization and suicide attempts, LGBTQ+ students reported increased anxiety during the pandemic.

“Our results indicating LGBTQ+ youth experienced increased anxiety during the pandemic could reflect scholars’ concerns about pandemic-induced uncertainty, social isolation, decreased access to mental health resources in schools, unsupportive familial environments, and increased anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation over the same time period,” the authors wrote.

LGBTQ+ students experienced more peer victimization, anxiety, and suicide attempts at both points, before and during the pandemic, than cisgender, straight youth, the study found.