A Pilot and Feasibility Study on a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Adapted for LGBTQ+ Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender and sexual minority-identified (LGBTQ+) adolescents experience significant health disparities.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show potential for addressing these disparities.
• Existing MBIs often require adaptation to effectively serve LGBTQ+ youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the acceptability and feasibility of an adapted online MBI, Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q), for LGBTQ+ adolescents.
• To assess preliminary descriptive health changes associated with the L2B-Q intervention.
• To gather qualitative feedback on the L2B-Q program's delivery and content.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 20 LGBTQ+ adolescents.
• Completion of baseline and post-intervention assessments measuring mental health, stress behaviors, physical stress, and LGBTQ+ identity.
• Post-intervention focus groups to evaluate program acceptability.

Main Results:

• L2B-Q demonstrated successful recruitment, retention, and safety.
• Participants reported decreased depression and anxiety.
• Improvements were noted in intuitive eating, physical activity, and LGBTQ+ identity self-awareness with moderate-to-large effects.

Conclusions:

• Adapted interventions like L2B-Q are necessary and beneficial for LGBTQ+ youth.
• The L2B-Q program shows potential for improving mental and physical health outcomes.
• Further optimization and testing of L2B-Q within the LGBTQ+ adolescent community are warranted.