Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada

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