Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

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First Advisor

Susan Swearer

Second Advisor

Beth Doll

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Committee Members

Eric Buhs, Katelyn Coburn

Department

Educational Psychology

Date of this Version

7-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Educational Psychology

Under the supervision of Professors Susan Swearer and Beth Doll

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Michaela Elaine Pierson. Used by permission

Abstract

Adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBQ+) develop their identities within complex social contexts. In rural settings, limited access to affirming resources and greater exposure to stigma may further shape identity development. Guided by social ecological and minority stress theories, this study examined whether perceived family and friend support predict identity affirmation and internalized homonegativity among rural LGBQ+ adolescents. Participants included 53 adolescents ages 13 to 18 drawn from a larger dataset. Group differences across demographic variables were examined, and regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive role of family and friend support. No significant group differences emerged for identity affirmation or internalized homonegativity. Friend support was a significant positive predictor of identity affirmation, whereas family support was not. The overall model predicting internalized homonegativity was not significant; however, friend support was a significant negative predictor, indicating that greater friend support was associated with lower internalized homonegativity. Findings highlight the importance of friendships in the identity development of rural LGBQ+ adolescents. Friend support may function as a more proximal and affirming source of support in contexts where family support is variable. Implications of this study include the need to strengthen affirming friendships and expand access to supportive resources for LGBQ+ youth in rural communities.

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