A transactional model of school-based bullying-victimization disparities for sexually and gender diverse adolescents

Over the past decade, most studies addressing school-based bullying-victimization among sexually and gender diverse (SGD) adolescents highlighted the persistent and critical nature of disparities based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (SOGIE). However, little is known about the underlying causes and heterogeneity of these disparities. This chapter aims to enhance our understanding by reviewing literature from the past decade and integrating theoretical perspectives on stigma and bullying-victimization. It emphasizes the role of group dynamics and intrapersonal processes in bullying. Particularly, it highlights how societal stigma affects SGD adolescents’ interactions with peers and teachers, facilitating bullying incidents both directly and indirectly through causing SGD adolescents’ socioemotional vulnerability. Future research needs to focus on identifying these processes and on exploring risk and protective factors across different socio-ecological domains, such as demographic factors, social support, and broader environmental factors. Strategies to reduce disparities should prioritize inclusion and resilience from an early age to prevent SGD adolescents from being trapped in a cycle of victimization and promote their well-being in adolescence.