Response 1
Two important factors to consider when preparing to talk with Seamus about his concerns are the potential reactions of his family and peers, as well as any previous struggle that Seamus has had with depression/anxiety or any other health matters (Ryan, 2010). I would want to know if Seamus has ever dealt with suicidal ideation or tendencies, which would drastically alter the treatment plan and necessitate more support for Seamus (Laureate Education, 2014c). Another important factor is how Seamus anticipates his family finding out which may cause additional stress and anxiety (Ryan, 2010).
One factor Seamus should consider before approaching his family is to know how accepting or rejecting his family is, which sometimes has a lot to do with religious beliefs (Ryan, 2010). It would be helpful for Seamus to create a support network in order to deal with his family once he has told them, as sometimes families can make things a lot more difficult and have negative life outcomes for children that are in the LBTQ community and do not have the support from their families (Ryan, 2010). The support group can either be family or friends, though studies have proven that extended members of families like cousins and uncles can also create a super supportive atmosphere which benefit the LBTQ teen (Ryan, 2010).
One strategy to reduce risk or bolster Seamus’ resilience in the face of possible negative consequences of his family would be to get a therapist for Seamus that he would see regularly (Laureate Education, 2014c). It would also be helpful to consult with an MFT in order to help the family cope with the news and learn to accept their child with this new information (Laureate Education, 2014c).
References
Laureate Education (Producer.) (2014c). Coming out stories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Ryan, C. (2010). Engaging families to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth: The family acceptance project. Prevention Researcher, 17(4), 11-13.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Response 2
Explain at least two important factors that you would consider when preparing to talk with Seamus about his concerns.
A factor that I would consider when preparing to speak with Seamus about his concerns is to help assure him that his sexual preference is absolutely fine. I would want him to be self confident and not change his sexual preference based on what his peers perceive him as. Another factor to be considered is to develop an understanding of homosexual males and the criticism that they receive on the daily. According to Roof (1992), science has scrutinized the homosexuality of males “objectively”, which in return has produced evidence that revitalizes hackneyed beliefs in the “essentially” non-masculine nature of gay men.
Then explain at least one factor Seamus should consider before approaching his family.
One factor that Seamus should consider before approaching his family is realize that his family may or may not accept his sexual preference. There are traditional family values that effect the “coming out” process of gay male adolescents. During the coming out process, there are different stages that a person may experience. Those stages are sensitization, awareness with confusion, denial. guilt, shame, and acceptance. According to Newman & Muzzonigro (1993), majority of male adolescents admitted to feeling confused when they first became aware that they are gay. The families of adolescents possess traditional family values in regards to an emphasis on marriage, the importance of religion, the significance of having children, and also determined by if English was spoken in their home (Newman & Muzzonigro, 1993). A child is more likely to be unaccepted by their family if the family has strong traditional values, compared to those families that do not. Because an adolescent may experience a lot of disapproval and criticism, it is important for them to have a strong support system, which considers of their peers, families, and those a part of the gay community (Newman & Muzzonigro, 1993).
Finally, explain at least one strategy to reduce risk or to bolster Seamus’ resilience in the face of possible negative consequences with his family.
One strategy that can be used to reduce Seamus’ risk in case of facing negative consequences is to seek resources that focuses on adolescent sexual orientation, along with support groups to assist them. Support groups are in place to address any issues that gay adolescents may experience inside and outside of their home. Support groups are also developed to connect people who have similar experiences and provides opportunities for people to share how they handle situations (Mayo Clinic, 2018)
References:
Roof, J. (1992). Hypothalamic Criticism: Gay Male Studies and Male Feminist Criticism. American Literary History, 4(2), 355-364. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/489995
Newman, B. S., & Muzzonigro, P. G. (1993). The effects of traditional family values on the coming out process of gay male adolescents. Adolescence, 28(109), 213-226.