Home / Health / LGBTQ+ Teens Vape More Due to Stigma, Study Says
LGBTQ+ Teens Vape More Due to Stigma, Study Says
18 Sep
Summary
- LGBTQ+ youth vape at higher rates than heterosexual peers.
- Stigma and discrimination contribute to psychological distress.
- Vaping used to cope with stress, isolation, and rejection.
New research suggests that stigma, bullying, and rejection are significant factors contributing to higher rates of vaping among LGBTQ+ youth. The evidence review indicates that nearly 22% of gay or lesbian young people and 18% of bisexual youth vape, compared to less than 15% of heterosexual peers. Researchers posit that these behaviors are not driven by sexual or gender identity itself, but rather by the psychological distress and negative coping mechanisms that arise from discrimination.
Social and community factors make LGBTQ+ young people more vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Higher rates of bullying, family rejection, and violence experienced by this group lead them to use vaping as a way to relieve stress and combat feelings of isolation. Furthermore, vaping has become normalized within some LGBTQ+ youth communities, with some adopting the behavior to foster a sense of belonging or acceptance. Public health officials must address these underlying issues with targeted interventions to effectively reduce vaping rates among this population.
