The AFFIRM open pilot feasibility study: A brief affirmative cognitive behavioral coping skills group intervention for sexual and gender minority youth
Craig, S. L., & Austin, A. (2016). The AFFIRM open pilot feasibility study: A brief affirmative cognitive behavioral coping skills group intervention for sexual and gender minority youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 64, 136–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.02.022
Highlights
Background
The health disparities of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are well documented—yet community-based, developmentally relevant empirical interventions that address mental health risks and promote resilience and well-being are scarce.
We propose that one such intervention involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that: affirms SGM identities, attends to minority stressors, actively targets maladaptive responses to stressors, and builds skills to proactively cope.
Study Description
This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief, eight-module affirmative cognitive behavioral coping skills group intervention (AFFIRM) with SGMY developed through community partnerships
A diverse sample of SGMY (n = 30; Mage = 16.8 years) participated in the AFFIRM pilot and completed reliable measures of depression (Becks Depression Inventory- II), reflective coping (Proactive Coping Inventory- Adolescent) , and stress appraisal (Stress Appraisal Scale for Adolescents) with three subscales (assessing stress as a threat, assessing stress as a challenge and having enough resources to meet the challenge) at three time point (Pre/post/ 3 month post test)
Key findings
After completing AFFIRM, LGBTQ+ youth reported statistically significant reductions in depression and assessing stress as a threat. The significant results for depression held even after the three-month posttest
Participants also experienced significant increases in reflective coping and perceiving stress as a challenge as well as now having the resources to meet that challenge
AFFIRM had high levels of acceptability and skills acquisition (e.g., connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) and participants strongly endorsed the intervention with qualitative feedback
Conclusion
The results of the open pilot feasibility study indicate that AFFIRM can positively impact LGBTQ+ youth mental health.
