ECPN poster contestant: Gay-Straight Alliances As Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth are at increased risk for a host of negative outcomes including substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, victimization, and suicidal ideation, especially in hostile school climates. In part to provide LGBTQ+ students a safe space, many schools have established gay-straight alliances (GSAs), school-based organizations for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies that may act as prevention programs to promote equity. Although seemingly innocuous, GSAs have recently been embroiled in controversy as some parents and school board members have moved to block their establishment. This heightened attention to GSAs makes research surrounding these prevention programs all the more valuable, as it could provide policymakers with important context and evidence to guide their decision making process. The current body of literature is mixed with respect to GSA's associations with school climate and lacks a quantitative synthesis that provides compelling evidence for the adoption of GSAs. Therefore, this meta-analysis evaluates the impact of GSAs on students' self-reports of alcohol and drug use, depression, victimization, and suicidal ideation by quantitatively synthesizing 33 primary studies. Preliminary findings indicate that GSAs are associated with lower reports of negative and maladaptive behavior, supporting the creation and funding of GSAs as prevention programs that promote equity for marginalized students. Moreover, these results should inform school officials, teachers, and policymakers as they work to establish GSAs, especially when those attempting to found GSAs meet pushback and hostility.