Building connection and reducing isolation: a group therapy intervention for LGBTQ+ young adults
Date
2023
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Abstract
LGBTQ+ people experience poor mental health outcomes relative to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, which may be exacerbated by chronic disconnection from self and others that results from discrimination and other minority stressors. Many LGBTQ+ people find strength and relief from mental health concerns by connecting with supportive, affirming communities. These findings are aligned with relational-cultural theory, which posits that people are wired to be in connection with one another, and that building mutually empathic relationships is central to healing. Although research supports that connecting with LGBTQ+ community is beneficial, there is a paucity of research on how LGBTQ+ people connect with community, what barriers exist to doing so, and how clinicians may help facilitate these healing connections. The present study consisted of two parts. Focus groups were conducted to better understand the nuances of LGBTQ+ community connection and to develop proof of concept for a group therapy intervention for LGBTQ+ emerging adults using both the focus group data and existing scholarship and theory on LGBTQ+ group therapy and relational-cultural theory/therapy. Focus group data was coded using qualitative content analysis and incorporated into the development of a 6-session group intervention, which was then implemented with a group of LGBTQ+ young adults in Colorado. Group therapy participants completed measures of relational health, depression, anxiety, social isolation, sense of LGBTQ+ community, and loneliness before, during, and after the intervention. Changes in scores were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and effect sizes were estimated; medium to large effects were found in the direction of symptom reduction, reduced loneliness and isolation, and improved relational health and sense of community. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
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Subject
group therapy
relational-cultural theory
counseling
sense of community
LGBTQ+