Involvement in same-sex romantic relationship has “protective effects” for teens, according to a new University of Michigan study that sought to evaluate the impact of same-sex and opposite-sex relationships on self-esteem, internalized homophobia, depression and anxiety in youngsters.

According to HealthCanal, the study showed that same-sex relationships improved self-esteem in teen males and prevented against internalized homophobia in teen females. Opposite-sex relationships, researchers were surprised to learn, had no affect.

HealthCanal explains:

Dating in adolescence is critical to developing sexual and social identities, says Jose Bauermeister, assistant professor at theUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health. It’s even more salient for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth because there is such a stigma attached to their sexual orientation.

Studies have shown that these teens may suffer more psychological distress, victimization, physical threats and violence than heterosexual youth. Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens who conceal their sexuality, often have a lower self-image or internalized sense of homophobia—which can lead to depression and anxiety.

The study surveyed 350 gay, lesbian or bisexual teens from the three LGBT drop-in centers in New York City. Researchers checked back with the study participants two years after the baseline interview and were surprised by how little opposite-sex relationships had affected them.

“I actually expected to see more associations between psychological distress and having an opposite-sex partner,” Bauermeister said. “But there was no association with self-esteem, depression oranxiety . The literature seems to suggest that creating a bond with a partner may be protective. However, we found having an opposite-sex partner is not protective, but it’s not harmful either.”

Opposite-sex relationships increased internalized homophobia in boys, but the effects were not lasting, and dissipated over time.

The paper, “Relationship trajectories and psychological well-being among sexual minority youth,” will be published in Youth and Adolescence in August.