Supporting filipino LGBTQ+ youth: development of evidence-informed self-help materials

Abstract

Self-stigma and minority stress necessitate programmes and interventions that consider and respond to how LGBTQ+ individuals evaluate, cope with, and seek support in relation to these stressors and their sources. Self-help materials are potentially useful in supporting the development of skills and knowledge that may help LGBTQ+ youth cope with minority stress and self-stigma. This study developed 54 online self-help resources for Filipino LGBTQ+ youth. The developed materials were evaluated by twenty-four respondents representative of LGBTQ+ youth and advocates, content experts, and community partners to obtain quantitative and qualitative feedback. The self-help materials were rated positively indicating that the materials were attractive, understandable, acceptable, believable, relatable, relevant, and motivational to a considerable extent. The materials developed may prove helpful in providing Filipino LGBTQ+ youth with evidence-informed, contextually grounded self-help resources to support and promote their mental health.

Keywords: LGBTQ; mental health; minority stress; online self-help.