Learnings From SAAHAS—A Queer Affirmative CBT-Based Group Therapy Intervention for LGBTQIA+ Individuals in Mumbai, India

Wandrekar, Jagruti; Nigudkar, Advaita

doi:10.1177/2631831819862414

Cited by 8 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 20 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…However, AFFIRM has not yet been implemented and evaluated on a sufficiently powered scale across a broader age range with a more reliable measure of effect size. To date, there has been a dearth of research exploring the efficacy of affirmative CBT interventions in community-based settings [ 50 ]. Given the urgent need for supportive interventions for SGMY [ 36 ], this study explored the efficacy of AFFIRM to reduce psychosocial distress with this population.…”

Section: Present Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective This study tested the efficacy of AFFIRM, a brief affirmative cognitive-behavioural group intervention tailored to reduce psychosocial distress and improve coping among sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults (SGMY). Method SGMY (n = 138; M age = 22.44) were allocated to immediate 8-week AFFIRM intervention delivered at 12 community-based organisations or an 8-week waitlisted control. At baseline, post-intervention or post-waitlist, participants completed self-reported assessments of depression, hope, coping, and stress appraisal. Implementation outcomes of feasibility and acceptability were also assessed. Results Compared to waitlist, SGMY in the intervention condition significantly reduced their depressive symptoms (b = − 5.79, p = .001) as well as increased reports of hope (agency: b = 0.84, p = .001; pathway: b = 0.79, p = .001), and coping by emotional support (b = 0.59, p < .001), instrumental support (b = 0.67, p < .001), positive framing (b = 0.59, p < .001), humour (b = 0.36, p = .014), planning (b = 0.49, p < .001) as well as reflective coping (b = 0.27, p = .009). Intervention participants were also less likely to perceive stress as a threat (b = − 0.43, p = .001), and more likely to perceive stress as challenge (b = 0.67, p < .001) and have the resources to deal with that stress (b = 0.38, p = .016) in comparison to waitlisted control participants. All outcomes had medium to large effect sizes. AFFIRM participants reported low attrition (8.5%) and high levels of engagement and acceptability (e.g. 99% agreed intervention was relevant to their lives). Over 63% of the community organizations that participated in the training hosted AFFIRM at least once during the study. Conclusions Results demonstrate efficacy for the community-based implementation of an affirmative clinical intervention designed for SGMY to address depression and foster coping with universal and minority stressors.

show abstract

Section: Present Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…One study 91 described a queer-affirmative cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)-based group therapy intervention for LGBTQIA+ individuals facilitated by queer mental health professionals called SAAHAS, that at a preliminary level showed promise for reducing distress and improving mental health of queer individuals.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…89 Ranade and Chakravarty in 2013 explored affirmative therapeutic practices used by mental health professionals in India working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and used the insights obtained to generate a module for gay affirmative counseling practice. 90 One study 91 described a queer-affirmative cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)-based group therapy intervention for LGBTQIA+ individuals facilitated by queer mental health professionals called SAAHAS, that at a preliminary level showed promise for reducing distress and improving mental health of queer individuals.…”

Section: Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India? A Review of Research From 2009 to 2019

Wandrekar¹,

Nigudkar²

2020

Journal of Psychosexual Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: The period from 2009 to 2019 has seen a lot of conversation about issues of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) individuals in India, but they continue to be a group showing poor health equity. Objective: This descriptive content review attempted to explore 5 questions: what is the nature of existing research on mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, what are the pathways that contribute to mental health issues, whether the existing health facilities mitigate or facilitate these pathways, what are the interventions proposed for this group, and what are the gaps in research that can be addressed in the next decade. Method: “Mental health aspects” were described as variables relevant to understanding individuals’ cognitions, emotions, and behavior. We searched for literature in online journal databases, in archives of the most prominent journals, on websites of prominent LGBTQIA+ organizations, and through cross-referencing of papers obtained. The data were abstracted and coded into themes and subthemes. We found 22 reviews and reports, 4 viewpoints and comments, 7 editorials, 1 conference proceeding, and 60 original articles. Conclusions: Prevalence studies reveal that LGBTQIA+ individuals were found to show high rates of mental health concerns, and that the adapted minority stress model may be a crucial pathway for the same. Lived experiences, factors related to mental well-being, and societal attitudes have also been studied. Intervention studies are relatively fewer, and certain subgroups of LGBTQIA+ identities are less represented in research. Gaps in research were identified and recommendations for research in the coming decade were proposed.

show abstract

Section: Rejection From Societymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A queer affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy based group-therapy intervention had shown to improve the distress, reduce the social isolation, and enhance knowledge and skills related to self-sustenance in the transgender community. 19 This study had a small sample size, owing to the difficulty of accessing and interviewing people from the transgender communities. They often are apprehensive to share their inner feelings or consider it as another "social shaming" attempt.…”

Section: Rejection From Societymentioning

confidence: 99%

“Their Untold Stories…”: Lived Experiences of Being a Transgender (Hijra), A Qualitative Study From India

Mondal

Das

Ray

et al. 2020

Journal of Psychosexual Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Transgender is an umbrella term, used to encompass people who have a gender identity or gender expression, which differs from their sex assignment at birth. Being independent of sexual orientation, they have often been classified as the “third sex.” Based on various sociocultural traditions and beliefs, they are frequently “othered,” discriminated, and stigmatized against. This has led to their limited social inclusion and participation. In the social diversity of a populous country like India, transgenders are termed as “hijra’s,” belonging to a separate social community. Their experiences, perceptions, and unmet needs are rarely evaluated. Methods: Qualitative approach was used to explore the “lived experience” of 4 individuals who are part of the “hijra” community in Kolkata. These individuals were born with ambiguous primary sex characteristics. In-depth interview was conducted with these participants with subsequent transcription. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used for analysis. Results: A total of 2 superordinate themes (identity issues, relationship issues) and 6 subordinate themes emerged from the analysis (identification with feminine gender, perceptions regarding caregivers, perception regarding siblings, perception regarding childhood peer groups, identification with the hijra community, societal rejection). The findings have been discussed in terms of identity process, social and cultural construal of hijras in this part of the world. Conclusion: In India, the transgenders (hijra community) represent a unique subculture besides the heterosexual groups. Understanding their relationships, sexuality and societal interactions are vital for their psychosocial well-being and related interventions. This study adds to the shared understanding of their marginalization and lived experiences, in their own voices.

show abstract

Learnings From SAAHAS—A Queer Affirmative CBT-Based Group Therapy Intervention for LGBTQIA+ Individuals in Mumbai, India

Cited by 8 publications

References 20 publications

Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada

Efficacy of affirmative cognitive behavioural group therapy for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults in community settings in Ontario, Canada

What Do We Know About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in India? A Review of Research From 2009 to 2019

“Their Untold Stories…”: Lived Experiences of Being a Transgender (Hijra), A Qualitative Study From India

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About