THE EXPLORATION OF HOMOPHOBIA WITHIN INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS: EXPLORATION OF HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT THE EXPLORATION OF HOMOPHOBIA WITHIN INSTITUTIONAL SETTINGS: EXPLORATION OF HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS Paul S. Heffner Andrea Doyle This researcher examines the effects of homophobia in the school setting on self-identified LGBTQ high school students. Current research argues that LGBTQ students are particularly vulnerable to harassment and oppression within school systems but are unclear as to the ultimate consequences for these students. To explore the effects of homophobia, this dissertation analyzed data collected from surveys completed anonymously by voluntary student participants. Data collected includes participants’ perceptions of oppression as well as participants’ perceived views on high school experiences such as social, academic, and at-risk functioning. Anonymous surveys were collected and resulted in a final sample size of 67. A factor analysis was applied to determine correlations between identified experiences of oppression and behaviors, attitudes, and emotional regulation. Results indicated a correlation between perceptions by participants that school staff are not responsive to oppressive behaviors and higher instances of substance use and higher instances of risk taking behaviors. Further results indicated that participants that reported higher levels of substance use also reported perceptions of physical or verbal harassment. Keywords: LGBTQ youth, institutional homophobia, bullying, at-risk teens