A Pilot and Feasibility Study on a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Adapted for LGBTQ+ Adolescents.
Kasey D Klimo, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte Farewell, Rose Grace Grose, Jini E Puma, Danielle Brittain, Lauren B Shomaker, Kelley Quirk
International journal of environmental research and public health October 16, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21101364
Summary
Adolescents participating in the Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q) mindfulness-based intervention reported significant improvements in mental health, with 45% experiencing decreased depression and anxiety. Additionally, 55% showed enhanced intuitive eating and physical activity. In a pilot involving 20 LGBTQ+ adolescents, L2B-Q demonstrated high acceptability and feasibility, with participants providing valuable feedback for future enhancements. These results highlight the potential of tailored interventions to address health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth, emphasizing the importance of continued development and testing in this community.
Abstract
(1) Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender and sexual minority-identified (LGBTQ+) adolescents face mental and physical health disparities compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be a potential method to intervene upon health disparities in this population. This pilot study explores the initial acceptability and feasibility, along with the descriptive health changes of an online MBI, Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q), which was adapted to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ adolescents. (2) Methods: Twenty adolescents completed baseline and post-intervention assessments of mental health, stress-related health behaviors, physical stress, and LGBTQ+ identity indicators. In addition, the adolescents participated in a post-intervention focus group providing qualitative feedback regarding the acceptability of L2B-Q. (3) Results: L2B-Q demonstrated feasible recruitment and assessment retention, acceptability of content with areas for improvement in delivery processes, and safety/tolerability. From baseline to post-intervention, adolescents reported decreased depression and anxiety and improved intuitive eating, physical activity, and LGBTQ+ identity self-awareness with moderate-to-large effects. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the need and the benefits of adapted interventions among LGBTQ+ youth. L2B-Q warrants continued optimization and testing within the LGBTQ+ adolescent community.