Do Marginalized Youth Experience Strengths in Strengths-Based Interventions? Unpacking Program Acceptability through Two Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
Abstract
Strengths-based interventions have potential to improve the wellbeing of sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). This study examined the youth program acceptability of two strengths-based programs tailored for SGMY: ASSET (group counseling), and strengths first (SF) (care coordination). A mixed-methods approach was applied to secondary data extracted from client files (n = 247). Most participants were aged 15–18 (89%). Gender identities included woman (66%), man (30%), and transgender (<1%). Sexual orientations included bisexual (32%), lesbian (26%), gay (23%), and queer/pansexual (14%). Most participants identified as White, Hispanic (47%), Black, Non-Hispanic (17%), and Hispanic, No other race (19%). Program acceptability was measured using the 11-item Youth Acceptability and Strengths Scale. Quantitative analyses indicate program acceptability was high for SGMY participants and did not significantly differ across program type, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnoracial identity. There were no differences between strengths enhancement or client satisfaction between intervention types. Compared to group counseling, care coordination significantly increased problem-solving skills. Qualitative analysis identified that strengths-based interventions provided: (a) social support; (b) community; (c) confidence; and (d) positive mentors. Findings demonstrate the acceptability of strengths-based programming for SGMY. Strategies are provided to incorporate intervention prog…
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Strengths-based interventions have been found to validate LGBTQ + identities and enhance self-esteem.
“Strengths-based interventions have been found to validate LGBTQ + identities and enhance self-esteem (Craig & Furman, 2018).”
From Demonstrating LGBTQ+ Affirmative Practice in Groups:: Developing Competence through Simulation-Based Learning (2022) · cites this paper as Craig & Furman, 2018
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Craig, S. L., & Furman, E.
- Affiliations
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Wilfrid Laurier University (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Craig, Shelley L.
- Venue
- Journal of Social Service Research
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2018-03-07
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 168-179
- ISSN
- 0148-8376 (ISSN-L)
- 1540-7314
- OpenAlex
- W2790383282
- Cited by
- 25
- References
- 51
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 2
- FWCI
- 2.37
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Social Service Research (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Youth Development and Social Support
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
- Keywords
- strengths-based intervention, sexual and gender minority youth, program acceptability, assets, group counseling, care coordination, client satisfaction, problem-solving skills, social support, youth well-being, marginalized youth
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