Feeling Like You Matter: LGBTQ+ Young Adult Perspectives on Affirmative Mental Healthcare
2024

LGBTQ+ Young Adults' Views on Affirmative Mental Healthcare

Sample size: 28 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mondave Marisa MPH, Saleska Jessica PhD, Wang Jing Jing, Bluma Elliot, Jackson Daynon, Tapia Yara, Yashar Leah, Zima Bonnie T. MD, MPH, Choi Kristen R. PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Primary Institution: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Hypothesis

What do LGBTQ+ young people think about affirmative mental healthcare?

Conclusion

LGBTQ+ young adults emphasize the importance of genuine human connection and understanding in mental healthcare.

Supporting Evidence

  • LGBTQ+ young adults often feel disconnected from their communities, prompting them to seek mental healthcare.
  • Participants reported feeling marginalized during mental health service encounters.
  • Affirmative mental healthcare is characterized by genuine human connection and empathy.
  • Many participants expressed a preference for providers who share similar identities.

Takeaway

This study talks about how LGBTQ+ young adults want mental health care that makes them feel understood and accepted.

Methodology

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Potential Biases

Potential biases from researchers' backgrounds and experiences were noted.

Limitations

The study primarily included participants from urban areas, which may not represent rural LGBTQ+ young adults.

Participant Demographics

{"age_range":"18-26","identities":{"sexual_and_gender_identities":{"ace_spectrum":4,"bisexual":4,"cisgender":2,"gay":3,"lesbian":2,"non_binary":9,"pansexual":5,"queer":10,"trans_masc":5,"transgender":4},"racial_and_ethnic_identities":{"asian":5,"black":11,"hispanic":5,"multiracial":4,"native_american":3,"white":9}}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s11414-024-09919-x

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