PARENTAL ACCEPTANCE OF LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL: ITS EFFECT ON SELF-ESTEEM AMONG 2ND YEAR STUDENTS IN BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study examines the influence of parental acceptance on the self-esteem of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) second-year students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. Parental acceptance is a vital factor in shaping the psychological well-being of LGB youth. Supportive parental attitudes can enhance self-confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging, while parental rejection may contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional distress. The research seeks to understand how varying levels of parental acceptance affect the self-perception and overall mental health of LGB students in an academic setting. This study utilized a quantitative research design, selecting second-year LGB students and their parents as respondents. To gather data, the researchers employed revised versions of established tools: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to assess the students' self-esteem and a modified Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire to evaluate the nature of parental attitudes. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques to identify the correlation between parental acceptance and the self-esteem of LGB students. The study found a strong positive relationship between parental warmth and the self-esteem of LGB students. Those who perceived their parents as accepting displayed higher confidence and emotional resilience, while students who experienced parental rejection or neglect reported lower self-esteem and increased self-doubt. Interestingly, parental control alone did not significantly affect self-esteem, suggesting that its impact depends on whether it is paired with acceptance or rejection. These findings underscore the essential role of parental acceptance in fostering healthy self-esteem among LGB youth. Supportive parenting plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional well-being of LGB students, while rejection and neglect contribute to psychological distress, which can negatively affect academic performance and social engagement. This study recommends implementing structured counseling programs to improve parent-child communication and promote positive parenting practices. Such efforts can help create a more inclusive and nurturing home environment, reducing emotional strain on LGB youth. Future research should explore the long-term impact of parental acceptance and rejection and examine how cultural and religious beliefs shape parental attitudes toward LGB individuals. Parental acceptance remains a key factor in fostering healthy self-esteem and emotional stability among LGB students.