Exploring a self-compassion intervention with LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults

Abstract

Introduction

Sexual and gender minority young people (SGMY) experience mental health disparities and are overlooked in mental health practice and research. Self-compassion is a protective factor that promotes youth psychological well-being. This study examines SGMY perceptions of self-compassion and their experiences participating in self-compassion practices.

Methods

SGMY (n = 30) ages 16–29 participated in empirically supported self-compassion practices. Using grounded theory, researchers uncovered three themes.

Results

SGMY indicated that (1) the practice of self-compassion may help SGMY cope with internal/external homo/bi/transphobia, (2) cultivating self-compassion can enhance well-being, and (3) self-compassion can support coping with difficult thoughts and emotions.

Conclusion

Self-compassion may be a helpful approach for SGMY. Implications for SGMY mental health are explored.

Keywords:

• LGBTQIA+
• youth
• young adults
• self-compassion
• psychological well-being
• mental health
• minority stress

Ethics Statement

Approval from the University of Toronto Ethics Review Board was obtained (Protocol Number: 35193).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

Due to the vulnerability of youth participants and their privacy, the data are not publicly available as it could contain information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

Additional information

Funding

Partial financial support for this study was received from The International Association for Social Work with Groups and the Community One Foundation.