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Tenneti S. LGBT+ People's Approaches to the Psy Disciplines: A Case Study of A Mental Health Collective in Mumbai, India. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:1263-1286. [PMID: 35014945 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2021.2020541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The paper presents the case study of a mental health collective run by queer people in Mumbai that aims to promote mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior that are anchored in the psy disciplines although the founders are not psy professionals themselves. The study analyses the delicate balance between valorizing personal experience and trusting psy authority that is evident in the functioning of the collective and in the founders' own negotiations of their psychiatric diagnoses with their queer identities and other experiences. The analysis is anchored in a broader pattern in India of privileging the psy disciplines over other medical systems although psy authority remains contested and diffused owing to several factors. The limitations of the informal nature of the collective and their acceptance of psy authority are also explored.
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Gaur PS, Saha S, Goel A, Ovseiko P, Aggarwal S, Agarwal V, Haq AU, Danda D, Hartle A, Sandhu NK, Gupta L. Mental healthcare for young and adolescent LGBTQ+ individuals in the Indian subcontinent. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1060543. [PMID: 36743255 PMCID: PMC9895954 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1060543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant change in the way healthcare is dispensed. During the pandemic, healthcare inequities were experienced by various sections of society, based on gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The LGBTQ individuals were also affected by this inequity. There is a lack of information on this topic especially in the developing countries. Hence this issue requires further exploration and understanding. Previous literature briefly explored the mental, physical, and emotional turmoil faced by the LGBTQ community on a regular basis. They feared rejection by family and friends, bullying, physical assault, and religious biases. These issues prevented them from publicly speaking about their sexual orientation thereby making it difficult to collect reliable data. Although they require medical and psychological treatment, they are afraid to ask for help and access healthcare and mental health services. Being mindful of these difficulties, this article explores the various underlying causes of the mental health problems faced by LGBTQ individuals, especially, in the Indian subcontinent. The article also examines the status of healthcare services available to Indian sexual minorities and provides recommendations about possible remedial measures to ensure the well-being of LGBTQ individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sreoshy Saha
- Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Medicine, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, India
| | - Pavel Ovseiko
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shelley Aggarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Atiq Ul Haq
- Department of Rheumatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Andrew Hartle
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nimrat Kaur Sandhu
- Department of Public Health, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Latika Gupta
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India,Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom,Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom,City Hospital, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Latika Gupta, ; orcid.org/0000-0003-2753-2990
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Craig SL, Eaton AD, Leung VWY, Iacono G, Pang N, Dillon F, Austin A, Pascoe R, Dobinson C. Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:94. [PMID: 34099063 PMCID: PMC8183324 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested the efficacy of AFFIRM, a brief affirmative cognitive-behavioural group intervention tailored to reduce psychosocial distress and improve coping among sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults (SGMY). METHOD SGMY (n = 138; M age = 22.44) were allocated to immediate 8-week AFFIRM intervention delivered at 12 community-based organisations or an 8-week waitlisted control. At baseline, post-intervention or post-waitlist, participants completed self-reported assessments of depression, hope, coping, and stress appraisal. Implementation outcomes of feasibility and acceptability were also assessed. RESULTS Compared to waitlist, SGMY in the intervention condition significantly reduced their depressive symptoms (b = - 5.79, p = .001) as well as increased reports of hope (agency: b = 0.84, p = .001; pathway: b = 0.79, p = .001), and coping by emotional support (b = 0.59, p < .001), instrumental support (b = 0.67, p < .001), positive framing (b = 0.59, p < .001), humour (b = 0.36, p = .014), planning (b = 0.49, p < .001) as well as reflective coping (b = 0.27, p = .009). Intervention participants were also less likely to perceive stress as a threat (b = - 0.43, p = .001), and more likely to perceive stress as challenge (b = 0.67, p < .001) and have the resources to deal with that stress (b = 0.38, p = .016) in comparison to waitlisted control participants. All outcomes had medium to large effect sizes. AFFIRM participants reported low attrition (8.5%) and high levels of engagement and acceptability (e.g. 99% agreed intervention was relevant to their lives). Over 63% of the community organizations that participated in the training hosted AFFIRM at least once during the study. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate efficacy for the community-based implementation of an affirmative clinical intervention designed for SGMY to address depression and foster coping with universal and minority stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L Craig
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S1V4, Canada.
| | - Andrew D Eaton
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina - Saskatoon Campus, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Vivian W Y Leung
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S1V4, Canada
| | - Gio Iacono
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Nelson Pang
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S1V4, Canada
| | - Frank Dillon
- College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ashley Austin
- Ellen Whiteside-McDonnell School of Social Work, Barry University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rachael Pascoe
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S1V4, Canada
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Wandrekar JR, Nigudkar AS. Social Media and Video Conferencing Platforms for Group Therapy and Community Mental Health Outreach for LGBTQIA+ Individuals— The SAAHAS Experience. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318211017278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
E-health and telehealth are rapidly evolving areas of intervention that may show high potential for use with LGBTQIA+ individuals. Research on the therapeutic utility of these with respect to mental health is limited, particularly in India. SAAHAS (Sexuality, Acceptance, Awareness, Health, and Support) is a queer-affirmative, cognitive behavior therapy-based group therapy model of intervention for LGBTQIA+ individuals. We describe here our facilitator experience with expanding the offline group therapy model to online platforms using Google Meet, with an analysis of attendance and modalities of engagement and a description of our therapy notes and themes of discussion. We describe facilitator experience of continued therapeutic support through WhatsApp by analyzing the chats and thematic coding of the same. We also describe here our attempt at using social media for community mental health outreach through dissemination of mental health messages on Instagram and Facebook; data was analyzed using engagement metrics. Observations of the utility and limitations of these video conferencing and social media platforms and suggestions for effective use are provided.
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Mondal B, Das S, Ray D, Banerjee D. “Their Untold Stories…”: Lived Experiences of Being a Transgender (Hijra), A Qualitative Study From India. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2631831820936924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transgender is an umbrella term, used to encompass people who have a gender identity or gender expression, which differs from their sex assignment at birth. Being independent of sexual orientation, they have often been classified as the “third sex.” Based on various sociocultural traditions and beliefs, they are frequently “othered,” discriminated, and stigmatized against. This has led to their limited social inclusion and participation. In the social diversity of a populous country like India, transgenders are termed as “hijra’s,” belonging to a separate social community. Their experiences, perceptions, and unmet needs are rarely evaluated. Methods: Qualitative approach was used to explore the “lived experience” of 4 individuals who are part of the “hijra” community in Kolkata. These individuals were born with ambiguous primary sex characteristics. In-depth interview was conducted with these participants with subsequent transcription. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analysis. Results: A total of 2 superordinate themes (identity issues, relationship issues) and 6 subordinate themes emerged from the analysis (identification with feminine gender, perceptions regarding caregivers, perception regarding siblings, perception regarding childhood peer groups, identification with the hijra community, societal rejection). The findings have been discussed in terms of identity process, social and cultural construal of hijras in this part of the world. Conclusion: In India, the transgenders (hijra community) represent a unique subculture besides the heterosexual groups. Understanding their relationships, sexuality and societal interactions are vital for their psychosocial well-being and related interventions. This study adds to the shared understanding of their marginalization and lived experiences, in their own voices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bithika Mondal
- Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Tata Motors Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
| | - Deepshikha Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Debanjan Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Wandrekar JR, Nigudkar AS. What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India? A Review of Research From 2009 to 2019. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2631831820918129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The period from 2009 to 2019 has seen a lot of conversation about issues of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) individuals in India, but they continue to be a group showing poor health equity. Objective: This descriptive content review attempted to explore 5 questions: what is the nature of existing research on mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, what are the pathways that contribute to mental health issues, whether the existing health facilities mitigate or facilitate these pathways, what are the interventions proposed for this group, and what are the gaps in research that can be addressed in the next decade. Method: “Mental health aspects” were described as variables relevant to understanding individuals’ cognitions, emotions, and behavior. We searched for literature in online journal databases, in archives of the most prominent journals, on websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and through cross-referencing of papers obtained. The data were abstracted and coded into themes and subthemes. We found 22 reviews and reports, 4 viewpoints and comments, 7 editorials, 1 conference proceeding, and 60 original articles. Conclusions: Prevalence studies reveal that LGBTQIA+ individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns, and that the adapted minority stress model may be a crucial pathway for the same. Lived experiences, factors related to mental well-being, and societal attitudes have also been studied. Intervention studies are relatively fewer, and certain subgroups of LGBTQIA+ identities are less represented in research. Gaps in research were identified and recommendations for research in the coming decade were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagruti R. Wandrekar
- Consultant Psychologists, Medico Surgical Clinic and Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Advaita S. Nigudkar
- Consultant Psychologists, Medico Surgical Clinic and Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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