Presenter(s)

• Jack Komer, School Psychology PhD Student , Indiana University - Bloomington
• Elizabeth McPherson, School Psychology PhD Student, Indiana University - Bloomington
• Heather Ormiston, Assistant Professor, Indiana University Bloomington
• Carissa Serratos, School Psychology PhD Student, Indiana University - Bloomington

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a group counseling program for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth at a rural middle school. Mental well-being was monitored weekly across baseline and intervention phases with pre-post intervention measures examining minority stress, psychological symptoms, stress appraisal and coping. Results indicated that students experienced increases in mental well-being, decreases in identity-related stressors and social validity data indicated students found the intervention to be acceptable, and felt they belonged during groups. These findings underscore the need for schools to provide supportive programming for SGM youth while addressing systemic stressors affecting school climate and belonging.