Family Acceptance Project Online (Pilot RCT)

Summary

Research shows that sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) experience high rates of mental health problems and other challenges (e.g., social, academic). A major factor that leads to these challenges is family rejection (family behaviors and reactions that minimize, deny, ridicule and attempt to prevent or change a child's sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression). Racial and ethnic minority youth experience the highest rates of family rejection and related health risks. The Family Acceptance Project (FAP) is a research, education, and intervention initiative that was founded more than 20 years ago to help diverse families learn to support and affirm their SGMY. FAP's Family Support Model is grounded in the lived experiences of diverse SGMY and families and uses a culture-based family support framework that enables parents and caregivers to change rejecting behaviors that FAP's research has shown contribute to health risks and increase supportive and accepting behaviors that promote well-being for SGMY. The overall goal of this research project is to evaluate a nine-week online version of FAP's Family Support Model (FAP-O). The investigators will specifically study how FAP-O: 1. Promotes parent/caregiver acceptance and support of their sexual and gender minority youth. 2. Increases family bonding and communication. 3. Increases SGMYs' feelings of pride in being LGBTQ+ and more hopeful about the future. 4. Leads to reductions in mental health problems reported by SGMY who experience family rejection. Before receiving FAP-O's family support services, racial and ethnic minority SGMY (ages 14 to 25) and their caregivers will complete an initial pre-test survey. After completing this initial (baseline) survey, half of the families will participate in program sessions. Following the first round of sessions, all participants will complete an immediate follow-up survey, with an additional survey conducted six months after this. These surveys help us learn if FAP-O impacts the project's goals above. After the final survey, the other half of the families will attend program sessions. The investigators will also ask SGMY and caregivers to share what they liked about the program and their guidance for enhancing it.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria (youth):

1. Identify as a sexual/gender minority (including youth questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity AND their identity must be known to their participating caregiver).
2. Identify as a person of color/belonging to a minority racial and/or ethnic group.
3. Be between the ages of 14 and 25 years
4. Read and speak English
5. Live in the United States
6. Report consistent access to a phone, tablet, and/or computer with high-speed internet access
7. Report an ability to attend eight, two-hour online sessions at pre-determined times
8. Report moderate to high levels of caregiver/family rejection
9. Not be at high-risk for suicide
10. Not be actively psychotic

Inclusion Criteria (caregivers):

1. Be a caregiver (biological parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or another adult who provides care) to an SGMY of color between the ages of 14 to 25
2. Be over the age of 18
3. Read and speak English
4. Live in the United States
5. Report consistent access to a phone, tablet, and/or computer with high-speed internet access.
6. Report an ability to attend nine, two-hour online sessions at pre-determined times.
7. Be aware of the SGM youth's minority identity
8. NOT identify as SGM
9. Report spending time with participating youth at least 5 waking hours per week
10. Not be at high-risk for suicide
11. Not be actively psychotic

Conditions9

Locations1 site

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