Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Experience of ACEs and Social Support among SGM College Students

Understanding the lived experience, the reasons community members remain isolated in their sexual and gender minority (SGM) identities, and where the community finds safe space and support is vital to building resilience for the next generation of emerging adults. This qualitative study looks at the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to understand how these may be impacted by the presence or absence of social support. The study was conducted during the Fall 2022 semester and includes a sample of six university students. Data was gathered during semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Themes found in the research include experiences of anti-SGM rhetoric, limited opportunities for discussion, parental loss and separation, mental illness in the family, lack of understanding of SGMs overall, abuse in the home, and lack of exposure to organizational support. The research implications are that further study is needed around organizational support, broader ACEs screening, and increased socioemotional learning for educators and organizations. Service implications include routine ACEs screening in healthcare and education settings, as well as the creation of networks and partnerships with organizations and community resources to provide support to SGM youth.