Recent Study Finds 13% of BYU Students are LGBTQ+
A study published this month, conducted by Dr, Jared Klundt and Dr. David Erekson, surveyed more than 7600 undergraduate students at BYU; 13.2% identified as LGBTQ+
Over the last several years, college students have received attention in the press and in academic editorials discussing the increasing demand for mental health services in university settings. The need is especially acute among LGBTQ+ students, who are often more vulnerable to mental health concerns.
A study published this month, conducted by Dr. Jared Klundt and Dr. David Erekson, surveyed more than 7600 undergraduate students at BYU; 13.2% identified as LGBTQ+
The study examined religiosity, mental health outcomes, and sexual minority identity at BYU using structural equation modeling. All undergraduates were invited to participate, and 7625 students participated, with 996 students indicating a sexual orientation other than “strictly heterosexual.”
Dr. Jared Klundt, one the researchers of the study and the current Clinical Director of Encircle said, "One of the reasons we started this research was because of how often we saw patients who felt like they were the only queer person at BYU. That crushing isolation made every aspect of their experience more difficult, and our hope was to identify ways to reduce that pain. One aspect we were able to identify was that feeling loved and accepted by their family, friends, peers, and community significantly reduced nearly every one of the mental health concerns we examined, including anxiety, depression, and suicidality."
The study found that the LGBTQ+ students were more than 2x as suicidal as their straight peers.
Dr. David Erekson, Assistant Clinical Professor at BYU said, “It is sometimes assumed that there are not many LGBTQ+ students on college campuses like BYU. This study highlights that there are as many LGBTQ+ people at BYU as at any comparable campus in the country. Our hope as researchers is that this study reminds campuses everywhere that LGBTQ+ students are likely present in every classroom, and that helping these students feel accepted as part of the campus community can make a big difference.”
Encircle’s location in Provo, UT. Since opening, Encircle has served over 70,000 individuals and funded thousands of family and youth therapy sessions, providing a lifeline to LGBTQ+ people facing suicidality, isolation and depression.
Today at BYU and at campuses across the country students and allies are celebrating “Rainbow Day” proudly wearing rainbow in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Rainbow Day is sponsored by Color the Campus, a student-run Instagram account. It is a day for students to wear rainbow clothing to show love and support for LGBTQ+ students and faculty at all CES schools, according to the movement’s Instagram.
Stephenie Larsen CEO of Encircle said, “This recent study says one thing very clearly — the LGBTQ+ students at BYU are not alone. 13.2% of BYU is LGBTQ+ and we love 100% of them.”
Encircle offers subsidized therapy to LGBTQ+ people ages 12 and up, with a free initial consultation that allows you and our therapists to assess the proper treatment and direction to help you thrive. Learn more at www.EncircleTherapy.org
Link To Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110475
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About Encircle
Serving LGBTQ+ youth since February 2017, Encircle: LGBTQ+ Family and Youth Center, has functioned as a welcoming presence to LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Founded in Utah, Encircle is taking their innovative program to Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada in its initial expansion with the goal of implementing the program nationwide. With the purpose of addressing the loneliness and high rates of suicide frequently experienced amongst LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, the nonprofit offers love and support. This is accomplished through providing individual and family therapy, support groups, and a safe space to young LGBTQ+ people throughout the U.S. Learn more about Encircle at www.EncircleTogether.org.
