Understanding the Developmental Profiles of Young Black Sexual Minority Males Ages 14 to 24: Insights from Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Introduction:.Young Black sexual minority males (YBSMM; ages 14–24) navigate intersecting structural and interpersonal stressors that shape their mental, physical, and sexual health. Moving beyond deficit framings, we apply a person-centered lens to map developmental asset constellations—how internal and external strengths cluster within individuals. By emphasizing resilience and heterogeneity, this approach informs culturally responsive, strengths-based interventions to advance health equity and prevention outcomes. Methods: YBSMM (N= 548) residing in three Midwestern U.S. cities completed an online survey assessing external assets (e.g., support, other adult relationships) and internal assets (e.g., positive identity, positive values). Participants also provided demographic information and details about their living conditions, including food and housing security. Latent profile analysis—conducted with Mplus software—identified the most representative asset configurations after evaluating models with two to seven classes. Results: Four distinct profiles were identified: Low Assets, Moderate Assets, Inconsistent Assets, and High Assets. The Low Assets group exhibited vulnerabilities associated with limited social support. The Moderate Assets group reported stable housing but remained susceptible to resource instability. The Inconsistent Assets group experienced pronounced food insecurity yet maintained a positive identity. The High Assets group, characterized by robust socioeconomic resources, demonstrated the highest levels of developmental assets. Conclusion: These findings underscore the complexity of development among YBSMM, highlighting the need for tailored interventions that promote economic stability, affirm identity, and expand access to resources. The results inform policy and practice enhancements that account for the nuanced socioeconomic contexts shaping YBSMM’s experiences, fostering resilience and reducing health disparities. Future research should prioritize the design and implementation of strengths-based, culturally competent interventions.