Do marginalized youth experience strengths in strengths-based interventions? Unpacking intervention fidelity through two interventions for sexual and gender minority youth
Craig, S. L., & Furman, E. (2018). Do marginalized youth experience strengths in strengths-based interventions? Unpacking intervention fidelity through two interventions for sexual and gender minority youth. Journal of Social Service Research, 44(2), 168179. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2018.1436631
Highlights
Background
Background: Strengths-based interventions have potential to improve the wellbeing of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY).
Study Description
This study examined the program acceptability of two strengths-based programs tailored for SGMY: ASSET (group counseling), and strengths first (SF) (care coordination)
A mixed-methods approach was applied to secondary data extracted from client files (n = 247)
Most participants were aged 15–18 (89%)
Gender identities included woman (66%), man (30%), and transgender (<1%)
Sexual orientations included bisexual (32%), lesbian (26%), gay (23%), and queer/pansexual (14%)
Most participants identified as White, Hispanic (47%), Black, Non0Hispanic (17%), and Hispanic, No other race (19%).
Program acceptability was measured using the 11-item Youth Acceptability and Strengths Scale
Key Findings
Quantitative analyses indicated that program acceptability was high for SGMY participants and did not significantly differ across program type, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnoracial identity
There were no differences between strengths enhancement or client satisfaction between intervention types
Compared to group counseling, care coordination significantly increased problem-solving skills
Qualitative analyses identified that strengths-based interventions provided: (1) social support; (2) community; (3) confidence; and (4) positive mentors.
Conclusion:
Both ASSET and SF are intended to enhance the strengths and resilience of SGMY, and the acceptability results show that intervention implementation achieves these aims
Overall, our findings demonstrate the value of inclusive, community-based care coordination and group-counseling interventions for SGMY
