Work

Affirmative Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Group Intervention for Sexual Minorities (Free2Be): A Non-Randomized Mixed-Method Study for Feasibility with Exploratory Analysis of Effectiveness

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives Despite sexual minority (SM), i.e. individuals who identify as lesbian women, gay men, bisexual, or pansexual, individuals presenting worse mental health outcomes when compared to heterosexual individuals, they face more difficulties in accessing affirmative and quality health services. This study is a mixed-method non-randomized single-arm trial targeting SM individuals assessing the feasibility and exploratory findings from an affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention (Free2Be). Method Eighteen participants who self-identified as SM, with a mean age of 30.80 years old, underwent a face-to-face group intervention with 13 weekly sessions (Free2Be). Feasibility was assessed in three domains (acceptability, practicality, and preliminary effectiveness) with self-report questionnaires and hetero-report interviews, during and after the intervention, and using a mixed-methods approach. Using a pre–post and participant-by-participant design, changes were assessed in self-reported internalized stigma, psychopathology indicators, and mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion processes. Results TheFree2Bewas acceptable and feasible in all three domains. Participants who completed the intervention (≥ 80% of attendance) revealed significant or reliable decreases in stress and social anxiety symptoms, self-criticism, and fear of compassion for the self. Conclusions The study provides evidence of the feasibility of the intervention. This affirmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention seems to be feasible and acceptable for SM individuals. These promising findings warrant further investigation within a pilot study.

Source: Mindfulness

DOI: 10.1007/s12671-024-02403-9

Authors: Daniel Seabra, Jorge Gato, Nicola Petrocchi, Maria do Céu Salvador

Institutions: University of Coimbra, Universidade Lusófona, Universidade do Porto, John Cabot University

Language: English

Topic: Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,990