Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / AIM People with marginalized sexual orientations experience mental health and substance use problems at a higher rate compared to heterosexuals. Experiences of discrimination have been identified as a significant factor in explaining such disparities, and a growing body of literature has developed seeking to explore the contexts in which discrimination occurs. However, one context that is understudied is the online environment. Based on Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Model (MSM), it is postulated that specific proximal group-specific processes mediate the relationship between discrimination and health outcomes, with other social factors providing protective effects. However, research is sparse empirically investigating different mechanisms, consequences, and potential modifying factors for sexual minority young adults experiencing online heterosexist discrimination (OHD). Thus, the current study aims to explore experiences of OHD among young adults. METHODS Using the MSM as a guiding framework, the study examined proximal factors of internalized heterosexism, online concealment, and rejection sensitivity as mechanisms underlying the effect of OHD on health outcomes and online social support as a moderating factor. 383 young adults (18-35) with marginalized sexual orientations were recruited from an introductory psychology subject pool, two online crowdsourcing platforms (Prolific, MTurk), and the community. They completed measures of OHD, online social support, online concealment, rejection sensitivity, internalized heterosexism, psychological distress, and substance use. RESULTS Path analyses in Mplus revealed that two proximal stressors (rejection sensitivity, sexual orientation concealment) were positively related to psychological distress as a result of OHD. Sexual orientation concealment was associated with increased risk for cannabis use due to OHD. Online social support from LGBTQ+ peers did not buffer these relationships. CONCLUSION The MSM is a viable guiding framework in exploring OHD. Rejection sensitivity and online sexual orientation concealment are important constructs to consider for future research and may be ideal treatment targets for individuals experiencing psychological distress or engaging in cannabis use due to OHD.

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<p><strong>AIM </strong>People with marginalized sexual orientations experience mental health and substance use problems at a higher rate compared to heterosexuals. Experiences of discrimination have been identified as a significant factor in explaining such disparities, and a growing body of literature has developed seeking to explore the contexts in which discrimination occurs. However, one context that is understudied is the online environment. Based on Meyer’s (2003) Minority Stress Model (MSM), it is postulated that specific proximal group-specific processes mediate the relationship between discrimination and health outcomes, with other social factors providing protective effects. However, research is sparse empirically investigating different mechanisms, consequences, and potential modifying factors for sexual minority young adults experiencing online heterosexist discrimination (OHD). Thus, the current study aims to explore experiences of OHD among young adults. <strong>METHODS </strong>Using the MSM as a guiding framework, the study examined proximal factors of internalized heterosexism, online concealment, and rejection sensitivity as mechanisms underlying the effect of OHD on health outcomes and online social support as a moderating factor. 383 young adults (18-35) with marginalized sexual orientations were recruited from an introductory psychology subject pool, two online crowdsourcing platforms (Prolific, MTurk), and the community. They completed measures of OHD, online social support, online concealment, rejection sensitivity, internalized heterosexism, psychological distress, and substance use. <strong>RESULTS </strong>Path analyses in Mplus revealed that two proximal stressors (rejection sensitivity, sexual orientation concealment) were positively related to psychological distress as a result of OHD. Sexual orientation concealment was associated with increased risk for cannabis use due to OHD. Online social support from LGBTQ+ peers did not buffer these relationships. <strong>CONCLUSION </strong>The MSM is a viable guiding framework in exploring OHD. Rejection sensitivity and online sexual orientation concealment are important constructs to consider for future research and may be ideal treatment targets for individuals experiencing psychological distress or engaging in cannabis use due to OHD.</p>

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No description available.

Les personnes LGBTQI+ migrantes portent plusieurs identités minoritaires et par ce fait, sont plus à risque de subir plusieurs formes de discrimination et d’oppression, tel que l’homo-lesbo-bitransphobie, le racisme, le sexisme et/ou la xénophobie. Bien qu’il y ait un intérêt grandissant à l’échelle internationale dans la recherche auprès des communautés LGBTQI+ migrantes, peu de recherches portent sur les pratiques de soutien par les pairs auprès de cette population. Ma démarche de recherche a été inscrite dans une recherche communautaire plus large menée par Dr. Edward Lee en partenariat avec AGIR (Action LGBTQI+ avec les immigrant·e·s et les réfugié·e·s). AGIR est un organisme communautaire qui soutient les personnes migrantes LGBTQI+ et en particulier les réfugié·e·s et les demandeur·se·s d’asile LGBTQI+ à Montréal. Nous avons mobilisé la théorie intersectionnelle et le modèle du stress minoritaire pour analyser un total de (N=14) entretiens qualitatifs semi-dirigés auprès des membres soutenu·e·s, membres du conseil d’administration, membres de l’équipe de soutien et employé·e·s qui sont actuellement ou ont été historiquement impliqués au sein d'AGIR. Des retombées positives du soutien par les pairs ont été constatées en lien avec la santé mentale et le bien-être, la navigation sociale et les relations sociales. Toutefois, des défis en lien avec l’ambiguïté du rôle du-de la pair·e, le manque de formations et de supervision, le risque de burnout et de trauma vicariant ont été identifiés. Finalement, nous avons formulé neuf recommandations en lien avec les récits des participant·e·s pour favoriser le modèle de soutien par les pair·e·s au sein d’AGIR. / LGBTQI + migrants have multiple minority identities and therefore are more at risk of suffering several forms of discrimination and oppression, such as homo-lesbo-bi-transphobia, racism, sexism and/or xenophobia. Although the interest in research with LGBTQI+ migrant communities is increasing internationally, there are few research projects on peer support practices among this population. My research approach is part of a larger community-based research led by Dr. Edward Lee in partnership with AGIR (Action LGBTQI + with immigrants and refugees). AGIR is a community organization that supports LGBTQI+ migrants and in particular LGBTQI + refugees and asylum seekers in Montreal. We mobilized intersectional theory and the minority stress model to analyze a total of (N = 14) qualitative semi-structured interviews with supported members, board members, support team members and employees currently or historically involved within AGIR. Positive results regarding AGIR’s peer support are related to mental health and well-being, social navigation and social relationships. However, challenges related to the ambiguity of the peer role, the lack of training and supervision, and the risk of burnout and vicarious trauma have been identified. Finally, we suggested nine recommendations in connection with participants’ experiences, to promote the peer support model within AGIR. / Las personas migrantes LGBTQI + portan varias identidades minoritarias y, por lo tanto, corren un mayor riesgo de sufrir diversas formas de discriminación y opresión, como la homo-lesbo-bi-transfobia, el racismo, el sexismo y/o la xenofobia. Aunque existe un creciente interés internacional en la investigación con comunidades LGBTQI+ migrantes, poca investigación se ha centrado en las prácticas de apoyo entre pares en esta población. El presente proyecto de investigación fue parte de una investigación comunitaria más grande dirigida por el Dr. Edward Lee en asociación con AGIR (Acción LGBTQI + con inmigrantes y refugiados). AGIR es una organización comunitaria que apoya a los migrantes LGBTQI + y en particular a los refugiados y solicitantes de asilo LGBTQI+ en Montreal. En este proyecto mobilizamos la teoría interseccional y el modelo de estrés minoritario para analizar un total de (N = 14) entrevistas semiestructuradas cualitativas con miembros usuarixs, miembros del consejo de administración, miembros del equipo de apoyo y empleadxs que están actualmente o han estado involucradxs históricamente en AGIR. Este proyecto a documentado efectos positivos del apoyo entre pares en relación con la salud mental y el bienestar, la navegación social y las relaciones sociales. Sin embargo, se han identificado desafíos relacionados con la ambigüedad del rol de los pares, la falta de capacitación y supervisión, el riesgo de burnout y de trauma indirecto. Finalmente, hicimos nueve recomendaciones relacionadas con las experiencias de los participantes para promover el modelo de apoyo entre pares dentro de AGIR.

<p dir="ltr">For many, spiritual beliefs and religious affiliation exist as a protective factor, providing significant emotional, psychological, and social support (Ibrahim & Dykeman, 2011). However, for others, abuse within the power structures of religion can also inflict great harm—particularly within marginalized communities—resulting in religious trauma. The LGBTQIA+ community has historically experienced marginalization and discrimination within various religious contexts and doctrines, becoming a group particularly vulnerable to religious trauma (Simmons et al., 2017; Swindle, 2017). This type of trauma has often been overlooked in the therapy room and within the broader Marriage and Family Therapy field. This thesis addresses this gap through the creation of an introductory training for therapists on religious trauma that many in LGBTQIA+ community experience. Grounded in religious trauma research and trauma-informed client care, the training seeks to enhance therapists' capacity to navigate these complex terrains with empathetic and informed care (Ellis et al., 2022). The aim is to create a therapeutic landscape where healing and self-compassion become more accessible to LGBTQIA+ individuals impacted by religious trauma.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Institutions of higher education within the United States have not had a reputation of inclusivity. The discrimination and oppression of people with disabilities is an important topic of conversation within these educational spaces, not only to change the way that society thinks of disability on a whole, but to incite discussions surrounding the best ways to support students with disabilities and their educational goals. This paper will provide a deconstruction of what ableism is, how it impacts mental health and wellness and how it shows up within institutions of higher education. This paper will also provide details on a training course for higher education faculty members that provides practical applications of the ethical ways of creating a supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. This paper will explore how critical disability theory, the social model and some aspects of the medical model can be utilized to provide faculty and staff with the competency to understand and interact with students with disabilities in ways that not only support their learning but contribute to positive social change and the deconstruction of ableist actions.</p>