(PS6-25) Family-Based Interventions Targeting Caregiver Support of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: A Scoping Review

Abstract Text:

Background: Caregiver support plays a crucial role in the well-being of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth and young adults. Previous studies have shown that caregiver acceptance is associated with positive mental health outcomes, while caregiver rejection negatively impacts SGM youth’s well-being. Despite growing recognition of the importance of caregiver support, few studies have systematically identified and described family- or caregiver-based interventions aimed at fostering caregiver acceptance and affirmation, strengthening family relationships, and promoting the mental well-being of SGM youth and young adults.

Objective: This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on family- or caregiver-based interventions designed to improve caregiver acceptance and affirmation of their SGM children.

Method: This review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. Using relevant keywords, we performed an electronic search across 5 bibliographic databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, LGBTQ+ Source, and Embase) for studies published in English from 2013 to the present. Inclusion criteria were: (1) evaluation of a family-based intervention with a substantial caregiver-directed component; (2) a relevant intervention target or mechanism, such as promoting accepting or affirming caregiver attitudes or behaviors; and (3) at least one quantitative efficacy or implementation outcome, including those related to caregiver attitudes or behaviors and SGM youth well-being.

Results: Of the 3,142 texts identified, 26 were eligible for inclusion. Included trials used a wide variety of study methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, within-person pre-post designs, and case studies. Interventions ranged from brief, digital, self-administered activities to multisession manualized treatments delivered by trained providers. While some interventions exclusively targeted caregivers (including foster caregivers), others focused on the caregiver-child dyad through joint activities. SGM youth and young adult participants spanned a wide age range (6-36) and intervention trials were conducted across multiple cultural contexts and geographic locations. This appears to be a more recent interest in these interventions, with 76.9% of studies being conducted after 2020, encompassing a wide range of methodologies and intervention approaches.

Conclusion: There has been a recent proliferation of studies evaluating interventions to foster acceptance and support among caregivers of SGM youth and young adults. This presentation will provide a detailed overview of emerging study characteristics, participant demographics, and intervention approaches. We will also summarize what is currently known about the efficacy and implementation potential of each intervention. In doing so, our aim is to map the scope of recent literature, identify promising interventions, and describe gaps to be addressed in future research.