School-based groups to support multiethnic sexual minority youth resiliency: Preliminary effectiveness
Craig, S. L., Austin, A., & McInroy, L. (2014). School-based groups to support multiethnic sexual minority youth resiliency: Preliminary effectiveness. Child and Adolescent Social Work, 30(4), 87–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-013-0311-7
Highlights
Background
Sexual minority youth (SMY) face multiple challenges as a result of their marginalized sexual and/or gender identities.
There is need for development and evaluation of interventions that enhance well-being among diverse SMY.
Study Description
This study describes the pilot research efforts of affirmative supportive safe and empowering talk (ASSET), the first LGBTQ affirmative school-based group counseling intervention created specifically to promote resiliency
In a pilot uncontrolled trial, multiethnic SMY (n = 263; Mage = 16.7 years) completed measures of self-esteem, social connectedness, and proactive coping at baseline and following completion of the ASSET intervention
Participants included: lesbian (38 %), bisexual (32 %), gay (22 %); Hispanic all races (74 %), Black, non-Hispanic (21 %), White non-Hispanic (3 %); as well as female (72 %), male (27 %), and transgender (1 %).
Key findings
Self-esteem and proactive coping increased significantly across all subgroups, while social connectedness remained constant
The high levels of social connectedness at pre and post test indicate that youth in this study already have important sources of social support despite also experiencing discrimination and challenges to their self-esteem and coping skills
ASSET holds promise to enhance the resilience of SMY in school-based practice settings by creating a therapeutic environment that focuses on their strengths and allows them to develop their identity, self-esteem and build coping skills, even in challenging school environments.
