Findings from a Feasibility Study of an Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group Intervention to Reduce Depression among LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer) Young People.

William Hall,Benjamin Ruiz Rosado,Mimi Chapman

doi:10.3390/jcm8070949

Abstract

Depression disproportionately affects LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) adolescents and young adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach; however, there has been limited work to adapt and evaluate CBT with LGBTQ young people. This study examined the feasibility of an intervention called Being Out With Strength (BOWS), which is an 8-session, small-group, CBT-based intervention to reduce depression among LGBTQ young people. We used a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods feasibility study design to evaluate the feasibility of BOWS. Survey data were collected from 79 LGBTQ young adults, and interview data were collected from nine mental health professionals. Almost half of the young adults had clinically significant depressive symptoms. All providers indicated depression as a problem facing this population and a need for BOWS. Two-thirds of young people were interested in participating in BOWS. Providers believed that BOWS would be acceptable for LGBTQ-identified individuals, those in late adolescence or early/young adulthood, and those with mild or moderate depression. Youth and providers also made implementation recommendations concerning settings to implement BOWS, times of day for BOWS sessions, number of sessions, group size, and facilitator composition. There is a demand for BOWS, and it is likely acceptable for the target population. Study findings can be used in the future to successfully implement BOWS and evaluate preliminary efficacy.

Highlights

Depression is a debilitating and burdensome mental health disorder that disproportionately affects young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) [1,2,3,4]
When providers were asked if depression is a problem among LGBTQ young people, all nine of them indicated that it was, and four mentioned that depressive symptoms are often accompanied with anxiety symptoms
When asked if they would be interested in participating in Being Out With Strength (BOWS) as part of a study, 66% of young adults affirmed their interest, 28% indicated “maybe”, and only 5% indicated no interest. Among those who affirmed an interest, 71% of them had clinically significant depressive symptoms. For those who indicated that they would not be interested, reasons given by young adults were not feeling a strong connection to the LGBTQ community (n = 3), their mental health challenges were not related to their LGBTQ identity (n = 2), the time commitment (n = 2), already being connected with a mental health provider or resources (n = 2), the age range for the group was too wide (n = 1), and hesitation to be in a psychotherapy group (n = 1)

Summary

Introduction

Depression is a debilitating and burdensome mental health disorder that disproportionately affects young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) [1,2,3,4]. 53% of transgender young people felt sad or hopeless almost every day for at least 2 weeks in the past year, compared to 30% of cisgender young people [4]. Research shows that LGBTQ young people are at increased risk for suicide Compared to their heterosexual peers, LGB young people are about three times more likely to have thought about suicide (15% vs 43%, respectively), three times more likely to have made a plan for suicide (12% vs 38%), and five times more likely to have attempted suicide (7% vs 35%) [4]. Understanding the impact of anti-LGBTQ attitudes and behaviors on stress.

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