The effect of identity development and perceived university environment on the college adjustment of gay, lesbian, and bisexual college students

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) students face many challenges as they adjust to a college environment. They struggle with the task of adjusting to an institution that they might perceive as threatening and hostile. Although college is a time of adjustment for all students, GLB students must learn to survive within an institution that is primarily designed to educate and support heterosexual students. GLB college students are clearly at a greater emotional and psychological risk, particularly when they are in the process of developing their sexual identity. They are, perhaps for the first time, experiencing questions about the congruency of their behavior and appropriate labels.; The study explores the hypothesis that perceived university environment and level of identity development/formation are factors that are predictive of adjustment for GLB college students, using information gathered from 102 participants. The study was analyzed using correlations, regressions, and factor analysis. Results show that there is a relationship between some stages of identity development and college adjustment, but student perceptions of the university environment is a stronger predictor of adjustment. Findings are pertinent to college personnel and university counselors who are challenged with creating an environment that encourages an atmosphere that facilitates adaptation and adjustment to college.