A new study from researchers at San Francisco State University has revealed that young LGB people whose parents and families responded negatively to their sexual orientation are at much higher risk for mental health problems. While the results seem unsurprising, it is the first time such a link has been made.

The two-part study was conducted by identifying 106 specific behaviors that were categorized as either "accepting" or "rejecting." Researchers conducted interviews of 53 families with gay teenagers and 224 LGB people between 21 and 25, who were asked to reflect on their adolescence. They found that young lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals who experienced a high level of rejection from their families were eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those who hadn't faced rejection. The rejected teens were also nearly six times more likely to become depressed and over three times more likely to use drugs or have unprotected sex.

Director of the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University and lead researcher Dr. Caitlin Ryan said, "For the first time, research has been established a predictive link between specific, negative family reactions to their child's sexual orientation and serious health problems for those adolescents in young adulthood - such as depression, illegal drug use, risk for HIV infection and suicide attempts."

She noted that one of the most interesting findings was that in terms of negative feedback, being forbidden to associate with LGB peers was as damaging as being physically or verbally abused by a parent.

Dr. Sten Vermund, Chair of Global Health at Vanderbilt University commented, "When put to practical, day-to-day use and shared with families and those who serve LGBT youth, these findings will lead to healthier, more supportive family dynamics and better lives for LGBT young people."