A Pilot and Feasibility Study on a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Adapted for LGBTQ+ Adolescents

Kasey D. Klimo, Jessica Walls Wilson, Charlotte Farewell, Rose Grace Grose, Jini E. Puma, Danielle Brittain, Lauren B. Shomaker () and Kelley Quirk
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Kasey D. Klimo: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Jessica Walls Wilson: Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Charlotte Farewell: Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Rose Grace Grose: Colorado School of Public Health, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
Jini E. Puma: Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Danielle Brittain: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A2, Canada
Lauren B. Shomaker: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Kelley Quirk: Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: (1) Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender and sexual minority-identified (LGBTQ+) adolescents face mental and physical health disparities compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be a potential method to intervene upon health disparities in this population. This pilot study explores the initial acceptability and feasibility, along with the descriptive health changes of an online MBI, Learning to Breathe-Queer (L2B-Q), which was adapted to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ adolescents. (2) Methods: Twenty adolescents completed baseline and post-intervention assessments of mental health, stress-related health behaviors, physical stress, and LGBTQ+ identity indicators. In addition, the adolescents participated in a post-intervention focus group providing qualitative feedback regarding the acceptability of L2B-Q. (3) Results: L2B-Q demonstrated feasible recruitment and assessment retention, acceptability of content with areas for improvement in delivery processes, and safety/tolerability. From baseline to post-intervention, adolescents reported decreased depression and anxiety and improved intuitive eating, physical activity, and LGBTQ+ identity self-awareness with moderate-to-large effects. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the need and the benefits of adapted interventions among LGBTQ+ youth. L2B-Q warrants continued optimization and testing within the LGBTQ+ adolescent community.

Keywords: acceptability; feasibility; mindfulness-based interventions; LGBTQ+ health; adolescent health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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