US Regional Network
This study examined how ICTs facilitate integration and promote resilience among sexual and gender minority emerging adult migrants in the U.S. ICTs are helpful for providing affirmative spaces and improving self-esteem among SGM adolescents, as well as helping refugee groups integrate into host societies. This constructivist grounded theory study used online interviews to explore how ICTs shape the integration experiences and resilience of 20 SGM individuals who migrated to the U.S. as emerging adults (i.e., between the ages of 18-25).
Findings from the study suggested that scholars cannot understand migration without closely looking at how ICTs impact this process. For example, while ICTs were found to facilitate identity development and ease integration into the United States, it also exposed participants to harassment, victimization, and scams.
Publications
Alessi, E. J., Cheung, S., Dentato, M. P., Eaton, A., & Craig, S. L. (2022). A qualitative exploration of information and communication technology use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer emerging adult migrants before and after arrival in the United States. Emerging Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1177/21676968221087072.
Alessi, E. J., Cheung, S. P., Sarna, V., Dentato, M. P., Eaton, A., & Craig, S. L. (2022). Experiences of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress among sexual and gender minority emerging adult migrants in the United States. Stress and Health. doi.org/10.1002/smi.3198.
This study (#2020001156) has been approved by the Rutgers University IRB. Any questions can be directed to sgmmigrantstudy@gmail.com.