Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jan 9, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 9, 2024 - Mar 5, 2024
Date Accepted: Apr 9, 2024
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
An Internet-based Intervention to Increase the Ability of LGB People to Cope with Adverse Events: A Feasibility Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of mental health problems due to widespread hetero- and cisnormativity, including negative public attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to combating social exclusion at the societal level, strengthening the coping abilities of young LGBTQ+ people is an important goal.
Objective:
In this transdiagnostic feasibility study, we tested a 6-week online intervention program designed to increase the ability of non-clinical LGBTQ+ participants to cope with adverse events in their daily lives. The program was based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) principles.
Methods:
This interventional study design took the form of a single-group assignment of 15 self-identified LGB community members who agreed to participate in an open trial, with a single group (pre- and post-intervention design).
Results:
Before starting the program, participants found the intervention credible and expressed high satisfaction at the end of the intervention. Treatment adherence operationalized by the percentage of completed homework assignments (88%) was also high. When we compared participants’ pre- and post-intervention scores, we found a significant decrease in clinical symptoms of depression (Cohen’s d = 0.44 90% CI [0.09, 0.80]), social phobia (d = 0.39 90% CI [0.07, 0.72]), and post-traumatic stress disorder (d = 0.30 90% CI [0.04, 0.55]). There was also a significant improvement in the level of self-acceptance and behavioral effectiveness (d = 0.64 90% CI [0.28, 0.99]) and a significant decrease in the tendency to avoid negative internal experiences (d = 0.38 90% CI [0.09, 0.66]). The level of general anxiety disorder (p = 0.115; d = 0.29 90%. CI [-.10, .68]) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.35; d = -0.06 90% CI [-.31, .19]) were the only two outcomes for which the results were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
The proposed web-based ACT program, designed to help LGBTQ+ participants better manage emotional difficulties and become more resilient, represents a promising therapeutic tool. The current program could be further tested with larger samples of participants to ensure its efficacy and effectiveness. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05514964
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