Influence of Information and Communication Technologies on the Resilience and Coping of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth in the United States and Canada (Project #Queery): Mixed Methods Survey

Abstract

BackgroundSexual and gender minority youth are a population in peril, exemplified by their disproportionate risk of negative experiences and outcomes. Sexual and gender minority youth may be particularly active users of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and it is important to identify the potential contributions of ICTs to their resilience and well-being.ObjectiveOur aim was to (1) investigate the use of ICTs by sexual and gender minority youth, (2) identify the ways that ICTs influence the resilience and coping of sexual and gender minority youth, focusing on promotion of well-being through self-guided support-seeking (particularly using mobile devices), (3) develop a contextually relevant theoretical conceptualization of resilience incorporating minority stress and ecological approaches, (4) generate best practices and materials that are accessible to multiple interested groups, and (5) identify whether video narratives are a viable alternative to collect qualitative responses in Web-based surveys for youth.MethodsMixed methods, cross-sectional data (N=6309) were collected via a Web-based survey from across the United States and Canada from March-July 2016. The sample was generated using a multipronged, targeted recruitment approach using Web-based strategies and consists of self-identified English-speaking sexual and gender minority youth aged 14-29 with technological literacy sufficient to complete the Web-based survey. The survey was divided into eight sections: (1) essential demographics, (2) ICT usage, (3) health and mental health, (4) coping and resilience, (5) sexual and gender minority youth identities and engagement, (6) fandom communities, (7) nonessential demographics, and (8) a video submission (optional, n=108). The option of a 3-5 minute video submission represents a new research innovation in Web-based survey research.ResultsData collection is complete (N=6309), and analyses are ongoing. Proposed analyses include (1) structural equation modeling of quantitative data, (2) grounded theory analysis of qualitative data, and (3) an integrative, mixed methods analysis using a data transformation design. Theoretical and methodological triangulation of analyses integrates an interwoven pattern of results into a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon. Results will be reported in 2017 and 2018.ConclusionsThis research study will provide critical insights into the emerging use of ICTs by sexual and gender minority youth and identify intervention strategies to improve their well-being and reduce risks encountered by this vulnerable population. Implications for practice, research, and knowledge translation are provided.

Methodological Considerations for Advancing Research on the Health and Wellbeing of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

“…47 Keeping abreast of the constantly changing and emerging online spaces frequented by SGM youth remains a notable challenge. 48 Efforts to collect data on SGM youth from probability samples are increasing, and some population-based studies have assessed sexual orientation and/or gender identity in large-scale anonymous surveys. 49,50 Given that sample sizes of SGM youth in broad population studies are often insufficient for complex analyses, including examination of subgroup differences, a promising approach is oversampling by intentionally including more SGM participants and using sample weights to account for them in analysis.…”

“…80 Although some validated measures are emerging, 81,82 we caution researchers that qualitative research, cognitive testing, and validity and reliability studies may still be required 83 -especially when a measure is directly relevant to gender or sexual identity, as the terminology used in older measures may not be sufficiently sensitive or reflective of modern youth experience. 48 Of course, measure selection for research with SGM youth should also be informed by measurement considerations relevant to the general population of adolescents, such as literacy, developmental appropriateness, and survey fatigue. [84][85][86][87]…”

How LGBT+ Young People Use the Internet in Relation to Their Mental Health and Envisage the Use of e-Therapy: Exploratory Study

“…To date, little has been published on how LGBT+ young people use the internet to successfully support their mental health. However, research from Canada and the United States has highlighted that LGBT+ young people are particularly active internet users [13] and use a wide range of Web-based media for information, resources, and support [13,14]. Work from Australia has also highlighted the relative importance of social media for LGBT+ young people, especially for transgender young people [15].…”

How LGBT+ Young People Use the Internet in Relation to Their Mental Health and Envisage the Use of e-Therapy: Exploratory Study

“…To date, little has been published on how LGBT+ young people use the internet to successfully support their mental health. However, research from Canada and the United States has highlighted that LGBT+ young people are particularly active internet users [13], and use a wide range of online media for information, resources and support [13,14]. Work from Australia has also highlighted the relative importance of social media for LGBT+ young people, especially for transgender young people [15].…”