When these influences are negative, psychological distress among adolescents may result, especially for those youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual ( Almeida, Johnson, Corliss, Molnar & Azrael, 2009 Hershberger & D’Augelli, 1995 Ueno, 2005). Adolescent development is influenced by different levels of social interaction within multiple environmental systems ( Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1995), thus a range of individuals, peers and communities can play a significant role in an adolescent’s developing sense of identity.
One of the most critical developmental tasks during adolescence is the development of a unique and personal identity ( Adams, Gullotta, & Montemayor, 1992 Erikson, 1980). Adolescence is a developmental period where young people are maturing physically, emotionally and socially as they transition into adulthood ( Erikson, 1980 Hill, 1983).
