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Improvements in self-acceptance for LGBTQ+ and straight allied youth and young adults enrolled in an affirming system of care program

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  • Stevens, Sally
  • Haverly, Katie
  • Powell, Claudia

Abstract

Research indicates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and young adults are at greater risk for mental health issues, including low levels of self-acceptance, when compared to heterosexual and cis-gendered peers. Many LGBTQ+ youth and young adults experience stress related to being a sexual minority and have difficulty accepting their sexual identity given non-affirming familial and social lived experiences. One promising approach for working with this population is providing affirmative care within a systems of care framework. This study examines outcomes of LGBTQ+ and cisgender straight allied youth and young adults following participation in iTEAM - an affirming system of care program. Data from 170 iTEAM participants who had both a pre- (intake) and 6-month post follow-up assessment were included in the analyses. Outcomes of interest include self-acceptance, employment, housing stability, and mental health of participants A factor analysis of the Self-Acceptance Scale resulted in four subscales: Self-Confidence, Social Confidence, Interpersonal Confidence, and Locus of Control. Changes from pre- to post-assessment indicate significant increases in overall self-acceptance and the four subscales along with employment and housing stability. Mental health scores improved, but not significantly. For the most part, these positive changes were evidenced for both LGBTQ+ and cisgender straight allied youth. The findings support the value of providing an affirming system of care program for both LGBTQ+ and straight allied youth in the same program setting. Additionally, programs should consider adding a measure of self-acceptance to inform clinical practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Stevens, Sally & Haverly, Katie & Powell, Claudia, 2020. "Improvements in self-acceptance for LGBTQ+ and straight allied youth and young adults enrolled in an affirming system of care program," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:118:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920308069
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105382
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maccio, Elaine M. & Ferguson, Kristin M., 2016. "Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 47-57.
    2. Herrick, A.L. & Egan, J.E. & Coulter, R.W.S. & Friedman, M.R. & Stall, R., 2014. "Raising sexual minority youths' health levels by incorporating resiliencies into health promotion efforts," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(2), pages 206-210.
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