The Influence of Emerging Adulthood on the Risky and Dangerous Behaviors of LGBT Populations

During emerging adulthood, traditional social bonds and turning points may be delayed, not present, or may not work in the same manner as they had for prior generations, leading many to engage in risky and dangerous behaviors. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered emerging adults may be at particular risk for engaging in risky and dangerous behavior during emerging adulthood due to the lack of social bonds, reaching of turning points, as well as the historic stigmatization of these populations. Focusing on LGBT populations in the United States, the influence of emerging adulthood on risky and dangerous behaviors is presented; a theoretical examination of the relationship between LGBT populations and risky and dangerous behaviors is provided; the influence of emerging adulthood on LGBT populations is explored; research on the role of emerging adulthoods influence on the risky and dangerous behaviors of LGBT populations is presented; and theoretical and policy implications are offered.