At TinyEYE, our mission is to support the mental health and well-being of all students through innovative and accessible online therapy services. A recent study, "Development and codesign of flourish: A digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced online victimization," offers crucial insights for practitioners aiming to improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth facing online victimization (OV). Here, we explore how you can leverage the findings to enhance your practice and advocate for further research in this critical area.
Understanding the Research
The study developed and tested Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced OV. Through qualitative interviews and a codesign process involving LGBTQ+ youth, their parents, and professionals, the researchers identified key features and priorities for the intervention. The results indicated that Flourish, a partially automated text message-based intervention, was highly usable and acceptable among the target population.
Key Findings for Practitioners
Practitioners can draw several actionable insights from this study:
- Immediate Support and Coping Strategies: Flourish provides real-time, automated support that can help LGBTQ+ youth manage distress following OV incidents. Incorporating similar immediate response mechanisms in your practice can significantly reduce stress and suicidal ideation among affected youth.
- Safe and Affirming Spaces: The intervention emphasizes creating a validating and confidential environment. Ensuring that your services offer a safe space where LGBTQ+ youth feel accepted and understood is crucial for effective mental health support.
- Education and Autonomy: Flourish educates youth on responding to OV while respecting their autonomy. Incorporating educational components that empower youth to make informed decisions about their mental health can enhance their coping skills and resilience.
- Partially Automated Interventions: The study found that partially automated interventions are both acceptable and effective. Consider integrating automated elements, such as text-based support, to extend your reach and provide timely assistance to those in need.
Implementing the Findings
To effectively implement these findings in your practice, consider the following steps:
- Training and Resources: Equip your team with the necessary training and resources to support LGBTQ+ youth experiencing OV. This includes understanding the unique challenges they face and how to provide affirming care.
- Collaboration and Codesign: Engage with LGBTQ+ youth and their support systems in the design and implementation of interventions. This participatory approach ensures that the services are tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions through feedback from youth and their families. This iterative process allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging needs.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Flourish study provides a strong foundation, ongoing research is essential to refine and expand digital interventions for LGBTQ+ youth. Practitioners can contribute to this effort by participating in research studies, sharing insights from their practice, and advocating for funding and policy support.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Development and codesign of flourish: A digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced online victimization.
