In honor of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, University of Delaware researchers are shedding light on the complex decision-making process LGBTQ+ youth experience when coming out.

UD doctoral student Mohammad Mousavi, Associate Professor Valerie Earnshaw, Assistant Professor Eric Layland and co-author Norman Chong of the University of Malaya recently completed an extensive review of studies exploring what influences LGBTQ+ youth to share their identities.

After analyzing nearly 5,500 articles and diving deep into 29 key studies, they found that research on the coming out process is evolving, with increasing attention to mental health outcomes.

In a Q&A with UDaily, Mousavi and Layland, members of UD’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), discussed their findings and offered valuable insights on how parents, educators and community members can create a safe and affirming environment for  LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate this deeply personal journey.

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