scholarly journals Changing the Narrative for LGBTQ Adolescents: A Literature Review and Call for Research into Narrative Therapy to Improve Family Acceptance of LGBTQ Teens

Author(s):  
Felicia Jordan

A large body of existing research has demonstrated the importance of family acceptance as a protective factor for LGBTQ youth facing increased risks of low self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental-health problems. However, little research has been done on therapeutic interventions for families specifically to address stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ adolescents. In particular, narrative therapy, with its focus on deconstructing and re-storying oppressive cultural narratives, seems a natural fit, but little to no quantitative research has been done on family-based narrative therapy for LGBTQ adolescents, and only a handful of qualitative studies have been published. Therefore, the paper reviews the relevant literature on LGBTQ youth at risk, family acceptance, and narrative therapy, and argues for narrative therapy as a potentially useful intervention to help a marginalized population thrive in the face of continuing challenges. Finally, the paper suggests some avenues for further research.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen K. Miller ◽  
Ryan J. Watson ◽  
Marla E. Eisenberg

While family acceptance has been shown to be protective for LGBTQ youth, the role of family acceptance within religious contexts is less clearly described. This study explored the role of religious affiliation and family acceptance on mental health outcomes among LGBTQ youth using data from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey. Key variables included (1) religious affiliation, (2) family acceptance regarding LGBTQ identity or orientation, and (3) mean depression scores. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlations, and multiple linear regression models were conducted, including an interaction term to test for differences in the primary association across religious groups. The analytic sample included 9,261 youth. Mean family acceptance was 2.37 on a scale of 0–4, with 4 indicating the highest level of family acceptance. Religious affiliation was strongly associated with degree of family acceptance (p < .05). Mean depression score was 13.38 on a scale of 0–30, with 30 indicating the highest level of depression; religious affiliation was strongly associated with mean depression score (p < .05). LGBTQ family acceptance was strongly inversely associated with depressive scores, even when adjusting for potential confounders (Beta = 02.37, p < .001). The interaction of family acceptance by religion was non-significant, indicating that this association was similar for youth in all religious groups. Findings were unchanged when adjusting for demographic covariates such as gender identity or race. Our research supports existing literature showing that family acceptance is a strong protective factor for LGBTQ youth, regardless of religion of origin.


Author(s):  
Dawn M. Szymanski ◽  
Kirsten A. Gonzalez

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are able to persevere and flourish despite pervasive social stigma and minority stress based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. This chapter reviews the research on LGBTQ resilience that can occur at individual, interpersonal/family, community, and contextual/structural levels. The authors describe qualitative research that has examined pathways to resilience and positive LGBTQ identity. The authors also review quantitative research on LGBTQ resilience via mediator, moderator, and moderated mediation models. Variables are described that have been found to explain or buffer the links between external and internalized minority stressors and mental health outcomes. The authors review the small but growing body of research that has begun to examine the efficacy of therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting LGBTQ resilience. Limitations are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.


Author(s):  
Meg Dennison ◽  
Katie McLaughlin

Early-life adversity is associated with elevated risk for a wide range of mental disorders across the lifespan, including those that involve disruptions in positive emotionality. Although extensive research has evaluated heightened negative emotionality and threat processing as developmental mechanisms linking early-life adversity with mental health problems, emerging evidence suggests that positive emotions play an integral, but complex, role in the association of early-life adversity with psychopathology. This chapter identifies two pathways through which positive emotion influences risk for psychopathology following early-life adversity. First, experiences of early-life adversity may alter the development of the “positive valence system”, which in turn increases risk for psychopathology. Second, the association between adversity and psychopathology may vary as a function of individual differences in positive emotionality. We consider how the development of positive emotionality—measured at psychological, behavioral and neurobiological levels—may be altered by early-life adversity, creating a diathesis for psychopathology. We additionally review evidence for the role of positive emotion, measured at multiple levels, as a protective factor that buffers against the adverse impacts of adversity. In integrating these two roles, it is proposed that characteristics of environmental adversity, including developmental timing, duration, and type of adversity, may differentially impact the development of positive emotionality, leading to a better understanding of risks associated with specific adverse experiences. Methodological issues regarding the measurement of adverse environments as well as implications for early intervention and treatment are discussed.


ZDM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Rezat

AbstractOne of the most prevalent features of digital mathematics textbooks, compared to traditional ones, is the provision of automated feedback on students’ solutions. Since feedback is regarded as an important factor that influences learning, this is often seen as an affordance of digital mathematics textbooks. While there is a large body of mainly quantitative research on the effectiveness of feedback in general, very little is known about how feedback actually affects students’ individual content specific learning processes and conceptual development. A theoretical framework based on Rabardel’s theory of the instrument and Vergnaud’s theory of conceptual fields is developed to study qualitatively how feedback actually functions in the learning process. This framework was applied in a case study of two elementary school students’ learning processes when working on a probability task from a German 3rd grade digital textbook. The analysis allowed detailed reconstruction of how students made sense of the information provided by the feedback and adjusted their behavior accordingly. This in-depth analysis unveiled that feedback does not necessarily foster conceptual development in the desired way, and a correct solution does not always coincide with conceptual understanding. The results point to some obstacles that students face when working individually on tasks from digital mathematics textbooks with automated feedback, and indicate that feedback needs to be developed in design-based research cycles in order to yield the desired effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kleszczewska ◽  
J Mazur ◽  
A Dzielska ◽  
T Gaspar ◽  
M Gaspar de Matos

Abstract Background The project was an answer to the results of the HBSC (Health Behaviour of School-aged Children) study 2013/2014 which indicated an alarming situation regarding the adolescents' mental health. The aim was to investigate mental health problems of Polish and Portuguese youth and to create tools and materials which can be a professional help in this matter. Improve the youth project consisted of two main elements: research and implementation phase. The mixed-method approach was applied in the project. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. 2004 pupils (aged 13-19) were surveyed in 89 schools in 2017/ 2018 in Poland. Findings form qualitative study were guidelines for quantitative research. Perception of stress among young people was selected as the leading subject. Short Form Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) in a shorter version of 4-statement were used. There were two advisory boards: first - practitioners (psychologists, pedagogists, teachers, social workers) and second - adolescents. Both were consulted to prepare all materials. Results Stress levels are higher in girls than in boys, and they increase with age: between 13 and 19 year of age the increase in the prevalence of high stress level was 5,3% in boys and 12.5% in girls. Family affluence, school achievements and school burden were identified as stress determinants of adolescents. Materials presenting the data and giving practical information and tools on how to support adolescents in coping with stress: guide for adults, guide for youth created by youth and scenario of workshops. 20 workshops for young people run by young people were organised in both countries for about 200 adolescents Results and materials were presented to youth organizations, social institutions and decision makers responsible for youth policy during two 'Improve the Youth' conferences in Poland and in Portugal.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Lewis ◽  
Melanie D. Bertino ◽  
Narelle Robertson ◽  
Tess Knight ◽  
John W. Toumbourou

Background. This paper presents findings derived from consumer feedback, following a multicentre randomised controlled trial for adolescent mental health problems and substance misuse. The paper focuses on the implementation of a family-based intervention, including fidelity of delivery, family members’ experiences, and their suggestions for program improvements.Methods. Qualitative and quantitative data (n=21) were drawn from the Deakin Family Options trial consumer focus groups, which occurred six months after the completion of the trial. Consumer focus groups were held in both metropolitan and regional locations in Victoria, Australia.Findings. Overall reductions in parental isolation, increases in parental self-care, and increased separation/individuation were the key therapeutic features of the intervention. Sharing family experiences with other parents was a key supportive factor, which improved parenting confidence and efficacy and potentially reduced family conflict. Consumer feedback also led to further development of the intervention, with a greater focus on aiding parents to engage adolescents in services and addressing family factors related to adolescent’s mood and anxiety symptoms.Conclusions. Participant feedback provides valuable qualitative data, to monitor the fidelity of treatment implementation within a trial, to confirm predictions about the effective mechanisms of an intervention, and to inform the development of new interventions.


2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mocco ◽  
Brad E. Zacharia ◽  
Ricardo J. Komotar ◽  
E. Sander Connolly

✓In an effort to help clarify the current state of medical therapy for cerebral vasospasm, the authors reviewed the relevant literature on the established medical therapies used for cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and they discuss burgeoning areas of investigation. Despite advances in the treatment of aneurysmal SAH, cerebral vasospasm remains a common complication and has been correlated with a 1.5- to threefold increase in death during the first 2 weeks after hemorrhage. A number of medical, pharmacological, and surgical therapies are currently in use or being investigated in an attempt to reverse cerebral vasospasm, but only a few have proven to be useful. Although much has been elucidated regarding its pathophysiology, the treatment of cerebral vasospasm remains a dilemma. Although a poor understanding of SAH-induced cerebral vasospasm pathophysiology has, to date, hampered the development of therapeutic interventions, current research efforts promise the eventual production of new medical therapies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Qi ◽  
Ting Hu ◽  
Qi-Qi Ge ◽  
Xiao-Na Zhou ◽  
Jia-Mei Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 1 year, causing far-reaching and unprecedented changes in almost all aspects of society. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety, and explore the factors associated with it. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to assess mental health problems from February 2 to February 9, 2021 by using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The insomnia severity index (ISI), demographic data and COVID-19 related variables were measured by a self-designed questionnaire. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified by Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results In the study that 1171 participants enrolled, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among general people was 22.6 and 21.4% respectively in the present study. Living alone was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while regular exercises was a potential protective factor. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with the severity of insomnia symptoms and the negative feelings about pandemic. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic- related chronic stress has brought about profound impacts on long-term mental health in the general population. The level of insomnia and a negative attitude towards the pandemic are significantly correlated with unfavorable mental health. However, we failed to found a significant association of age and gender with the mental health symptoms, although they were recognized as well-established risk factors during the outbreak by some other studies. This discrepancy may be because the acute and chronic effects of the pandemic are influenced by different factors, which reminds that more attention should be paid to the intrinsic psychological factors and physical reactions towards COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Alattar ◽  
Anne Felton ◽  
Theodore Stickley

Purpose Stigma associated with mental health problems is widespread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Consequently, this may prevent many Saudi people from accessing the mental health-care services and support they need. The purpose of this study is to consider how stigma affects people needing to access mental health services in the KSA. To achieve this aim, this study reviews the knowledge base concerning stigma and mental health in KSA and considers specific further research necessary to increase the knowledge and understanding in this important area. Design/methodology/approach This review examines the relevant literature concerning mental health stigma and related issues in KSA using the Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses frameworks. As a scoping review, it has used a systematic approach in literature searching. The results of the search were then thematically analysed and the themes were then discussed in light of the concepts of stigma and mental health. Findings Stigma around mental health impedes access to care, the nature of care and current clinical practice in the KSA. The voices of those with mental health issues in KSA are almost entirely unrepresented in the literature. Originality/value The review identifies that mental health stigma and cultural beliefs about mental health in KSA may act as barriers to accessing services. The voice of mental health service users in KSA remains largely unheard. If public discussion of mental health issues can increase, people’s experiences of accessing services may be improved.


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