2124 - INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT PREDICTORS OF DISTRESS DISCLOSURE LGBTQIA+ FILIPINO YOUNG ADULTS

Session: P_D07S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 7
AUTHORS:
Mindanao Raymund (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Rosa ~ Santa Rosa Laguna ~ Philippines) , Alinsod Emy Lou (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Rosa ~ Santa Rosa Laguna ~ Philippines) , Dela Paz Leila (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Rosa ~ Santa Rosa Laguna ~ Philippines) , Domingo Mary Eunice (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Rosa ~ Santa Rosa Laguna ~ Philippines)
Abstract text:
Elevated distress disclosure of LGBTQIA+ Filipino young adults causes disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm often faced with compounded distress due to various intersecting sources (religious and familial cultural expectations). Despite the known protective value of interpersonal support, recent empirical models are insufficient, as they have not yet established which specific dimension of support (appraised, belonging, or tangible) offers the most significant leverage in determining an individual's decision to engage in the vulnerable process of distress disclosure. This study, aims to determine which specific facet of Interpersonal Support (appraised, belonging, or tangible) is the most significant determinant of subsequent distress disclosure behaviors among LGBTQIA+ members aged 19-23 in the Philippines. The results will provide culturally-relevant, evidence-based recommendations for designing targeted interventions that prioritize the most critical forms of support necessary to facilitate effective coping and mental health resilience in this vulnerable population. In this study, 102 young adult LGBTQIA+ MEMBERS, lesbian (n= 16), gay (n=25 ), bisexual (n=28 ), transgender (n=26 ), queer (n=12 ), allied (n=15) ages 18-23 were investigated. A multiple regression analysis revealed the model was significant (R2=.433, F(5,78)=11.91, p<.001), with Tangible Support (β=0.354, p=.005) emerging as the strongest positive determinant, followed by Appraisal Support (β=0.245, p=.031)." This reveals that for LGBTQIA+ Filipino young adults, the functional capacity of the social network to provide concrete assistance and cognitive guidance is more critical to disclosure behavior than a general sense of belonging. Consequently, interventions aimed at increasing emotional expression and help-seeking within this vulnerable population should prioritize training support providers on offering practical and problem-solving resources.