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Lucassen, Mathijs; Samra, Rajvinder; Rimes, Katharine; Brown, Katherine and Wallace, Louise
(2022).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2196/31036
Abstract
Background: Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are at an increased risk of a range of mental health problems. However, few evidence-informed interventions have been developed specifically to support their mental wellbeing. Interventions that are evidence informed for the general population and are fine-tuned specifically with SGMY in mind proffer considerable potential. A particular opportunity lies in the delivery of engaging interventions online, where the focus is on enhancing the coping skills and building the resilience of SGMY, in a way that is directly relevant to their experiences. Based on earlier work related to an intervention called Rainbow SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts) we seek to create a new resource specially for SGMY in the United Kingdom (UK).
Objectives: This project has three main objectives. First, together with SGMY as well as key adult experts, we aim to co-design a media-rich and evidence-informed online SGMY wellbeing prototype toolkit aimed at those aged between 13 to 19 years. Second, we will explore how the online toolkit can be used within public health systems in the UK by SGMY, and potentially other relevant stakeholders. Third, we aim to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the toolkit, which will inform the design of a future effectiveness study.
Methods: The first objective will be met by conducting: (1) approximately ten interviews with SGMY and 15 interviews with adult experts; (2) a scoping review of studies focused on psycho-social coping strategies for SGMY; and, (3) co-design workshops with approximately 20 SGMY, which will all inform the creation of the prototype toolkit. The second objective will be met by carrying out interviews with approximately five selected adult experts and ten SGMY to explore how the toolkit can be best used and to determine the parameters and user-generated standards for a future effectiveness trial. The final objective will be met with a small-scale process evaluation, using ‘think out loud’ methodology, conducted with approximately ten SGMY.
Results: The study commenced on the 1st of September 2021 and data gathering for Phase One began in October 2021.
Conclusion: A considerable body of work has described the issues SGMY face. However, there is a dearth of research seeking to develop interventions for SGMY so that they can thrive. This project aims to co-design such an intervention.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
