Bienestar psicológico en adolescentes de 15 a 17 años de la población LGBTIQ+ del sector Flor de Bastión de Guayaquil, durante el periodo enero-junio de 2025

Abstract

The objective of the research was to explore the experiences, perceptions and factors that influence the psychological well-being of LGBTIQ+ adolescents living in the outskirts of Guayaquil. We worked through a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. We worked with 10 LGBTIQ+ adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17 who live in the Flor de Bastión sector of Guayaquil. The semi-structured interview, the reflective diary and the focus group were used as research instruments. Among the results, it was found that the psychological well-being of LGBTIQ+ adolescents in the Flor de Bastión sector was characterized by marked emotional instability, conditioned by experiences of discrimination, family conflicts and situations of school exclusion. Nevertheless, the participants manifested coping strategies such as writing, music and the search for safe spaces with peers. Close friendships stood out as the most significant support networks, while family and community were presented as environments of a variable nature. Likewise, a desire for identity affirmation and participation in collective spaces was identified, which represents a potential protective factor against emotional distress.