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Lucassen, Mathijs F. G.; Hatcher, Simon; Stasiak, Karolina; Fleming, Theresa; Shepherd, Matthew and Merry, Sally N.
(2013).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5172/jamh.2013.12.1.22
Abstract
Background: Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth with depression are often isolated and face the double stigma of mental ill-health and being non-heterosexual. Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) offers a means of providing these youth with evidence-based self-help that is confidential and can be accessed privately. We created a cCBT resource for youth generally and wished to explore what alterations, if any, might be needed to make it acceptable and relevant to LGB youth.
Method: Three focus groups were conducted with LGB young people (56% female, aged 16–27 years) from two LGB youth organisations in New Zealand. We used the general inductive approach to: Explore the issues faced by LGB youth; and, their views about prototypes of a cCBT program (SPARX).
Results: Participants reported a number of challenges from living in a homophobic and gender-stereotyped world and they recommended that these be incorporated in a cCBT program addressing depression for LGB youth. Participants were mainly positive about the idea of cCBT and the prototypes of the program; however, they made suggestions to ensure that the program was relevant and appealing to them.
Conclusion: Prototypes of a ‘generic’ cCBT program did not address all the issues that LGB youth face. It proved feasible to adapt a cCBT program to take this feedback into account, and this led to the creation of Rainbow SPARX. The makers of e-therapy interventions should actively involve and respond to the views of consumers.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
