Adult stakeholders’ perspectives on supporting or undermining the mental health of sexual and gender minoritised adolescents
Samra, R., Lucassen, M. ORCID: 0000-0001-6958-3468, Núñez-García, A. , Brown, K., Rimes, K. & Wallace, L. (2024). Adult stakeholders’ perspectives on supporting or undermining the mental health of sexual and gender minoritised adolescents. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, doi: 10.1111/papt.12548
Abstract
Objectives: To explore adult stakeholders’ perspectives on what supports or undermines the mental health of sexual and gender minoritised adolescents (SGMA) in everyday life, in order to better understand how to foster supportive psychosocial environments for SGMA.
Design: Descriptive qualitative study design, using framework analysis.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely with 16 UK-based adult stakeholders which included parents of SGMA, health and social care professionals, community-based professionals, and professionals who commission services related to adolescent health and wellbeing.
Results: Nine themes were identified that represented barriers and enablers of fostering psychosocial environments that are supportive for SGMA mental health. Example barrier themes include SGMA ‘facing chronic and acute safety threats and stress’, ‘psychological responses to social connection losses and navigating alienation’, ‘digital exposure and online risk and vulnerability’, and ‘conflicting messages, resulting divisions and adult distancing’. Example enablers include ‘exploring, owning, and changing (personal) identities’, ‘advocating alongside adolescents whilst containing oneself as the adult in the situation’ and ‘personally fostering adolescents’ psychological safety and inclusion’.
Conclusions: Adult stakeholders report that SGMA are often exposed to environments hostile to key aspects of their identity which then by extension undermines their mental health. These experiences can threaten their sense of safety and evolving identity. Practitioners in particular should be aware of the stressors relating to SGMA identity and minoritisation experiences, in order to develop the psychological safety and sense of inclusion needed for SGMA to trust in the relationship and the support offered.
Publication Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Samra, R., Lucassen, M. , Núñez-García, A. , Brown, K., Rimes, K. & Wallace, L. (2024). Adult stakeholders’ perspectives on supporting or undermining the mental health of sexual and gender minoritised adolescents. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, which will be published in final form at https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20448341. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited. |
Publisher Keywords: | Sexuality, gender, LGBTQ+, Mental wellbeing, support, adult perspectives |
Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
Departments: | School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing |
SWORD Depositor: |
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