Effectiveness of a Well-Being Therapy Protocol on Sexual Minority Psychological Well-Being: A Single-Case Research Design

Abstract

Sexual minority individuals are at higher risk of mental health concerns than heterosexual individuals due to the impacts of minority stress. Previous counseling interventions for sexual minority individuals have focused on pathology and reducing negative symptoms. However, there is a need for more empirical counseling interventions that address these disparities from a positive psychology perspective. Utilizing a multiple probe single case research design, the current study examined the impact of a well-being therapy protocol for improving the psychological well-being for four sexual minority individuals. There was no functional relation observed for the Well-Being Therapy protocol on psychological well-being. Discussion of the findings and implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Sexual minority
• psychological well-being
• well-being therapy
• single case research design

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the SPARC Graduate Research Grant at University of South Carolina.

Notes on contributors

Thomas M. Toomey

Thomas M. Toomey is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Austin Peay State University. He completed his doctoral degree at University of South Carolina in 2022.

Palmer Garrison

Palmer Garrison is an associate professional counselor in South Carolina. She obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of South Carolina in 2023.

Ashley Waddington

Ashley Waddington, PhD, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. She completed her doctoral studies at University of South Carolina in 2023.

LaNita Jefferson

LaNita Jefferson, PhD, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. She completed her doctoral studies at University of South Carolina in 2023.

Trinicia Jackson

Trinicia Jackson, MS, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. She currently serves clients in the South Carolina area.