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Cottle J, Drozdik AL, Rimes KA. The Impact of Role Models and Mentors on the Mental and Physical Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minorities. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:417. [PMID: 38785907 PMCID: PMC11117900 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) experience a higher mental health burden compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Role models and mentors are important for wellbeing and development; however, little evidence exists exploring their impact on SGM people. This systematic scoping review identifies their association with mental and physical wellbeing. Eight databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ERIC, Science Citation Index, Scopus, EPub and PsychInfo) were searched for eligible publications from 2000 to 2022. Two researchers identified studies, extracted data, completed quality appraisals using CASP checklists, and grouped data into outcomes relating to role model impact. From 501 citations, 12 studies (n = 1468 SGM people aged 15-63 years) were included. Positive role models and mentors encouraged identity acceptance through destigmatisation and positive affirmation, increased SGMs' psychological wellbeing through improved psychological safety and self-confidence and improved their sexual health knowledge. Potential role models and mentors displaying negative behaviours could cause stigmatisation, as well as reduce identity acceptance and psychological safety. Information regarding the perceived influence of role models and mentors on substance abuse and other physical health outcomes was limited. SGMs report greater benefits from relationships with others of shared minority status, providing incentives to match mentees with role models and mentors who share or empathise with their experiences of marginalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Cottle
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anna L. Drozdik
- Department of Psychology, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK;
| | - Katharine A. Rimes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK;
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Huang YT, Chong ESK, Lau CC, Chow LZ. Mentorship for young gay men in Hong Kong: A pilot mixed-methods randomized controlled trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38494677 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This study examined whether mentorship could promote young gay men's identities and well-being, and whether a mentor's sexual orientation matters. A randomized control trial compared outcomes across three conditions: Arm A (a mentee matched with a sexual minority mentor), Arm B (a mentee matched with a heterosexual mentor), and a control arm receiving psychoeducation only. A community sample of 60 mentees aged 18-25 years was randomly allocated to the three arms and completed questionnaires at baseline, 3 months into the intervention, and at the end of the 6-month program. Fifteen mentees recounted their mentoring experiences through in-depth interviews. Linear mixed effects models showed that for both intervention and control conditions, internalized homonegativity declined while resilience, loneliness, and body acceptance improved over time. No time and group interactions were found. Meanwhile, a mentor's sexual orientation did not drive differential quality and outcomes of mentorship. Interviewees cited various benefits of mentorship, including providing companionship, enriching connection with lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) communities, and adding knowledge and perspectives of LGB lives and identities. Although quantitative data did not support any exclusive benefits of mentorship, most mentees recognized mentorship as a vital source of affirmation and companionship. Implications for research and mentoring programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Te Huang
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Center of Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Eddie S K Chong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Chung Lau
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Center of Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Leo Z Chow
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Vengurlekar IN, Steggerda JC, Brown M, Kiefer JL, Cavell TA. Informal mentoring support as a potential moderator of the relation between adolescent dating violence victimization and substance use. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:1335-1344. [PMID: 36366888 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research links adolescent dating violence (ADV) victimization to negative developmental outcomes, including involvement in substance use. Informal mentoring is associated with several positive outcomes, including reduced risk of substance use. Addressed in this study is whether support from an informal mentor can function to protect victims of ADV from involvement in substance use. Participants were 152 adolescents (grades 9-12). Findings revealed a significant association between ADV victimization and adolescents' involvement in substance use, as well as some evidence that support from an informal mentor moderates that link. When informal mentor support was low or at the mean, ADV victimization was significantly linked to adolescents' involvement in substance use; when informal mentor support was high, ADV victimization was unrelated to substance use involvement. Discussed are research and practice implications of the potential protective role of informal mentors for victims of ADV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishan N Vengurlekar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA
| | - Jake C Steggerda
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA
| | - Melissa Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA
| | - Julia L Kiefer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA
| | - Timothy A Cavell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA
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Leung E, Kassel-Gomez G, Sullivan S, Murahara F, Flanagan T. Social support in schools and related outcomes for LGBTQ youth: a scoping review. DISCOVER EDUCATION 2022; 1:18. [PMID: 36407890 PMCID: PMC9662773 DOI: 10.1007/s44217-022-00016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has increasingly focused on positive factors and supports for LGBTQ youth. This scoping review explores existing social support for LGBTQ youth in schools through the Ecological Systems Theory to respond to the following four objectives: (1) define social support systems in schools, (2) identify current research on outcomes for LGBTQ youth, (3) identify barriers to support LGBTQ youth in schools, and (4) identify areas for future research for LGBTQ youth and social support in schools. A systematic search (Arksey and O'Malley in Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19-32, 2005) between 2007 through 2021 resulted in 94 articles. This review gave rise to an organizational framework to consolidate various systems of social support for LGBTQ youth in schools. Social support consisted of seven social support systems (family, curriculum, family, peers, school policies, GSAs and programs, and school climate) that are positively associated with the promotion of positive socioemotional, behavioural, and educational outcomes for LGBTQ youth. Though the literature has been clear surrounding the risks associated with LGBTQ youth, this scoping review provides a positive outlook on LGBTQ youth's school experiences and how these systems of social support allow for LGBTQ youth to act as active participants to foster a positive school climate and sense of safety. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44217-022-00016-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Leung
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gabriela Kassel-Gomez
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Samantha Sullivan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Flavio Murahara
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tara Flanagan
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Faculty of Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Winiker AK, Schneider KE, Dayton L, Latkin CA, Tobin KE. Associations between depressive esymptoms and identity-specific social support among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore City, Maryland. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2021; 27:175-195. [PMID: 37347093 PMCID: PMC10281699 DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2021.1957741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Depression and other adverse mental health outcomes are prevalent among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Social support can be protective against symptoms of depression, the effects of which may be amplified by experiences of a shared social identity. Methods We explored the associations between BMSM-specific social support and depressive symptoms among a sample of 280 BMSM. We used chi-square and t-tests to examine bivariate associations between social support, depressive symptoms, and key correlates, and logistic regression to adjust the relationship between social support and depressive symptoms. Results Most participants reported high (43.2%) or moderate (41.8%) levels of BMSM-specific social support, 38% reported depressive symptoms, and 47.6% were living with HIV. Adjusting for socioeconomic and structural vulnerabilities, health, and involvement in the gay community, high social support was associated with a marginal decrease in the odds of depressive symptoms compared to low social support. Conclusions Results indicate that BMSM-specific social support is protective against depressive symptoms even in the context of other socioeconomic and structural vulnerabilities, suggesting that strengths-based interventions focused on building community and mutual support among BMSM may be valuable tools to prevent depression and promote positive mental health outcomes for members of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail K. Winiker
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kristin E. Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lauren Dayton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Karin E. Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Watson RJ, Fish JN, Poteat VP, Wheldon CW, Cunningham CA, Puhl RM, Eaton LA. Teacher Support, Victimization, and Alcohol Use Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: Considering Ethnoracial Identity. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 22:590-601. [PMID: 33609259 PMCID: PMC8195836 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although scholarship continues to document higher rates of alcohol use for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth compared with heterosexual and cisgender youth, research identifying factors that mitigate SGM youths' risk is nascent. Youth spend substantial time in schools; therefore, teachers could play significant roles in attenuating these health concerns. We used data from a nationwide survey of 11,189 SGM youth (Mage = 15.52; 67.7% White) to explore whether perceived teacher social-emotional support attenuated the association between victimization and alcohol use, further conditioned by youths' specific ethnoracial identity. As expected, victimization was associated with more frequent alcohol use; however, greater perceived teacher support attenuated this association. The attenuating effect of perceived teacher support was significantly stronger for Hispanic/Latinx youth than White youth. Our findings have implications for alcohol use prevention among SGM youth, who face significant marginalization in schools and society. If we are to prevent alcohol use disparities among SGM youth, scholars and stakeholders (e.g., school administrators, teachers) should invest in building teacher efficacy to intervene in SGM-specific victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Jessica N Fish
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland, 1142 Valley Drive, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - V Paul Poteat
- Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College, Campion Hall 307, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Christopher W Wheldon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Casey A Cunningham
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Rebecca M Puhl
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Bonar EE, Wolfe JR, Drab R, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS, Chavanduka T, Hailu B, Guest JL, Bauermeister J. Training Young Adult Peers in a Mobile Motivational Interviewing-Based Mentoring Approach to Upstream HIV Prevention. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 67:237-248. [PMID: 33137221 PMCID: PMC7969398 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mentoring relationships are characterized by a sustained, high quality, and skill-building relationship between a protégé and mentor (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Within prevention science, youth mentoring programs emphasize creating a specific context that benefits a young person. Program-sponsored relationships between youth and adults allow for creating a mentor-mentee partnership, but do not require the establishment of a strong bond in order to deliver prevention-focused activities and experiences (Handbook of Youth Mentoring, Los Angeles, SAGE, 2014). Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling style used widely to promote health behavior change and in prevention interventions. As part of an upstream approach to HIV prevention, we combined mentoring and MI by training peer mentors to use MI skills in their interactions as part of a large RCT of a mobile life skills intervention for adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM). Our training model developed for training peer mentors in MI skills resulted in peers reaching and exceeding established MI fidelity thresholds (e.g., mean percentage of complex reflections = 80%, mean reflection to question ratio = 2.2:1). We offer reflections on lessons learned and future directions for those researchers and practitioners who may benefit from adapting this blended approach for mentoring AMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bonar
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James R Wolfe
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Drab
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Tanaka Chavanduka
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benyam Hailu
- Division of Clinical & Health Services Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jodie L Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Goodin A, Elswick A, Fallin-Bennett A. Mental health disparities and high-risk alcohol use among non-heterosexual high school students. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2019; 55:570-575. [PMID: 31066062 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine disparities in mental health and high-risk alcohol use among high school students by sexual orientation, and the impact of having access to an adult with whom to talk. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional survey, from the 2015 Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Logistic regression estimated the relationship between being "non-heterosexual" on mental health (e.g, suicidal ideation/attempt) and alcohol behaviors (e.g, binge drinking), controlling for demographics and "having an adult to talk to." FINDINGS Non-heterosexual students were more likely to report all adverse outcomes and risk was lower among students who report "having an adult to talk to." PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Psychiatric nurses need to assess sexual minority youth for access to positive adult relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie Goodin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alex Elswick
- Department of Family Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amanda Fallin-Bennett
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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