Evaluation of an Online Intervention to Help LGBTQ Youth Cope With Bullying

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

The purpose of this research study is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial of a game-based intervention is able to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, reduce health risk factors/behaviors, and increase resiliencies among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. The goals of the proposed study are to: (1) Test the feasibility and acceptability of a game-based intervention to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among SGM youth; and (2) Using a randomized controlled trial, test the efficacy of a game-based intervention to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, reduce health risk factors/behaviors, and increase resiliencies among SGM youth.

The purpose of this research study is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial of a game-based intervention is able to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, reduce health risk factors/behaviors, and increase resiliencies among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. The goals of the proposed study are to: (1) Test the feasibility and acceptability of a game-based intervention to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among SGM youth; and (2) Using a randomized controlled trial, test the efficacy of a game-based intervention to increase help-seeking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, reduce health risk factors/behaviors, and increase resiliencies among SGM youth.

A measure of help-seeking intentions for emotional/mental distress from different sources of help. Options range from 1= never, 2=rarely, 3=occasionally, 4=a moderate amount, 5=a great deal. Total scale is out of 105 with higher scores indicating greater health seeking intentions. Questions were asked about: parents/guardians, relatives/family member, teacher, friend, mental health professional, nurse or doctor, and phone/chat line. Mean scores will be calculated at baseline and 1-month post intervention. These scores will then be compared to determine change over the intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria: Must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender or another sexual or gender minority must have bullying experience must have access to a computer and email Exclusion Criteria: Residence outside of United States Not within the age range

Coulter RW, Sang JM, Louth-Marquez W, Henderson ER, Espelage D, Hunter SC, DeLucas M, Abebe KZ, Miller E, Morrill BA, Hieftje K, Friedman MS, Egan JE. Pilot Testing the Feasibility of a Game Intervention Aimed at Improving Help Seeking and Coping Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2019 Feb 15;8(2):e12164. doi: 10.2196/12164.