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MASTER’S ORAL EXAMINATION for Michelle Peterson
November 16, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
MASTER’S ORAL EXAMINATION
for Michelle Peterson
Chair: Sheila Hurst
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
The Pursuit of Safe Space(s) for Gender Minority Youth
Abstract
Background: School districts have begun to address sexual gender minority youth (SGMY) concerns by implementing safe spaces. Distress for this population has been significant, but it can be reduced when the school community works to normalize all expressions of gender nonconformity and sexual orientation. Progressively, communities recognize the difficulty and limited progress in providing safe spaces for all youth.
Aim/Purpose: Determine how schools can facilitate a safe community for SGMY. In K-12 schools, how does the presence/absence of safe space impact the inclusive school environment for SGMY?
Methods: Pubmed, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed research, published between June 2016 and March 2023, that contained links between school factors and mental health outcomes for SGMY. Fifteen publications were reviewed.
Results: A total of 15 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on their direct relevance to learning about SGMY’s perceived sense of safety. Thematic analysis was subsequently conducted with the identification of three themes: (1) Mental Health, (2) School Climate and Alliances, and (3) Protocols and Policy.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Safe spaces are associated with reduced distress in SGMY. School nurses should continue to advocate for the entire student population while increasing their cultural competency on SGMY concerns. School nurses can call for more SGMY-inclusivity in schools, further research and policy implementation, and provide a safe space/health room.
Conclusion: SGMY are more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes due to bullying and exclusion. Student-led alliances and supportive adults on campus lead to enhanced mental health outcomes. Students who experience a sense of welcome and inclusion at school tend to employ help-seeking behaviors and experience less distress. Policies should promote staff professional development, inclusive curriculum, and protection against SGMY exclusion.
Keywords: SGMY, safe spaces, k-12 students, mental health, suicidality, gender, school
Zoom Information
Zoom: https://wsu.zoom.us/j/95168267119?pwd=NG1mT0V4bzQyaFowSlBMWVNmVWZUdz09&from=addon
Meeting ID: 951 6826 7119
Passcode: 699502
