Search results
1 – 4 of 4The purpose of this commentary is to appraise and critically evaluate sexual minorities' mental health provision according to individual and systemic barriers to mental health…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this commentary is to appraise and critically evaluate sexual minorities' mental health provision according to individual and systemic barriers to mental health care. It addresses the issue of health inequity by first exploring the background narrative that informs health inequalities and then moving forward in creating a health equity framework.
Design/methodology/approach
From the focus point of mad studies and queer theory.
Findings
In this critical commentary, the work alongside others will be viewed and discussed in terms of addressing individual and systemic barriers to mental health care. Furthermore, how this has been significantly influenced by the colonisation of mental health with its polarising language and increased marginalisation will be discussed.
Practical implications
Progress world view (PWV) will help sexual minorities receive the care needed.
Social implications
Through the decolonisation of mental health, there will be a new understanding that helps us achieve health equity by using a gay worldview lens called the PWV (Broadway-Horner, 2024).
Originality/value
In closing, recommendations for future research alongside policy implications for service restructuring implementation of a decolonising health service. This will include a national training package to increase self-efficacy levels. It brings together a cohesive understanding of the PWV within a larger body of work on sexual minorities and mental health.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this scoping review is to find studies testing out psychological interventions to help victims of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy can be…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this scoping review is to find studies testing out psychological interventions to help victims of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy can be devastating; nonetheless, what treatment modalities are available for this population?
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts scoping review process using JBI protocol.
Findings
There are minimal results to conclude upon. The paper presents discussion on future research and inquiry. The author introduces a positive autoethnography, adapting the model created by Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) to create the post-conversion recovery process to aid recovery.
Research limitations/implications
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and positive autoethnography offer valuable insights, but further research is needed to help survivors.
Practical implications
To reduce the current death-by-suicide trends, more education and training are needed to help this specialised group.
Social implications
The suicide rates for sexual minority conversion therapy victims are eight times higher than those of other sexual minority groups and isolation levels. A single point of entry pathway for conversion therapy survivors is needed.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review addressing gay conversion therapy and disfellowship. It requires further attention, and there are gaps in the knowledge that need to be filled.
Details
Keywords
Since COVID-19, many services have burgeoned within the UK, but what about sexual minorities? Since the last review, there are appropriate therapies, but there is often inadequate…
Abstract
Purpose
Since COVID-19, many services have burgeoned within the UK, but what about sexual minorities? Since the last review, there are appropriate therapies, but there is often inadequate research. The purpose of this mixed-method review synthesis looking into the efficacy of psychological therapies for sexual minorities. Seven studies were found in total.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method review synthesis, three studies looking into the efficacy of psychological therapies for sexual minorities and four studies addressing the experiences of sexual minorities partaking in psychological therapies were identified.
Findings
These included three quantitative and four qualitative studies. The minority stress hypothesis is used to formulate problems, but challenges remain to confidentiality and privacy in this context. Therapists still operate within the heteronormative framework, discounting intersectionality in therapy conversations.
Research limitations/implications
Most studies have had low retention rates since 2021. It shows that minority stress needs to be accounted for at the ethics committee and research delivery levels.
Practical implications
Applying a heteronormative framework to sexual minorities is not working. An alternative progress world view is needed.
Social implications
Health-care clinicians strive for equitable care. Unfortunately, using an equitable health service scale adapted from Levesque et al. (2013), the rating is 3 out of 6. More work is needed to improve services.
Originality/value
Some services are reporting much improvement post-pandemic. Sadly, this is not the case for sexual minorities. Individual and systemic barriers remain.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of positive autoethnography for the consequences of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy is, for many, a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of positive autoethnography for the consequences of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy is, for many, a life-changing episode, especially when combined with disfellowship. In recent years, positive autoethnography has grown substantially. The work of Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004), from the school of positive psychology, focuses on posttraumatic growth following a traumatic event or series of events.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative approach of positive autoethnography.
Findings
This innovative case study highlights personal struggles with grief, depression and suicidal ideation. In addition, the time elapsed has enabled a process to juggle with alternative ideas moving forward in salvaging a form of identity.
Research limitations/implications
Treatment as usual psychological therapies (TAUPT) provide many unhelpful triggers due to the same jargon used in both conversion therapy and TAUPT. Away from TAUPT, this writing exercise may help as a stand-alone post-conversion recovery process.
Practical implications
The post-conversion recovery process will offer much-needed help with only a few face-to-face meetings to aid the posttraumatic growth writing exercise.
Social implications
The suicide rates for sexual minority conversion therapy victims are eight times higher than those of other sexual minority groups and isolation levels. A single point of entry pathway for conversion therapy survivors is needed.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, the first of its kind to apply positive autoethnography using the model as a framework to understand the post-conversion therapy experience, looks for growth in five areas: relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change and appreciation of life.
Details