Self-esteem, openness to LGBTQ peers helps all high schoolers | Cornell Chronicle

"There's a tremendous amount of change during adolescence and the transition to high school, and a lot of those changes can heighten anxiety. But having a positive and strong idea of who you are promotes lower levels of anxiety. And we see that a greater openness to engaging with LGBTQ students benefits not only their well-being, but those who are straight and cisgender."

"Those findings, reported in two new studies that followed more than 400 students through ninth and 10th grade, highlight the value of cultivating self-esteem and openness during a critical period of development. For LGBTQ students, who start ninth grade more anxious, on average, a strong sense of self can help significantly ease those feelings over time."

Cornell-led research following over 400 students through ninth and tenth grade demonstrates that inclusive school environments benefit both LGBTQ students and their cisgender heterosexual peers. LGBTQ students entering ninth grade experience higher baseline anxiety levels, but developing a strong sense of self significantly reduces these feelings over time. The studies reveal that cultivating self-esteem and promoting openness toward LGBTQ students during this critical developmental period yields positive psychological and social outcomes for all students. The transition to high school involves substantial changes that can heighten anxiety, but positive self-identity serves as a protective factor against these anxious feelings.

Read at Cornell Chronicle