'What works’ to support LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health: An intersectional youth rights approach

Elizabeth McDermott*, Rachael Eastham, Elizabeth Hughes, Katherine Johnson, Stephanie Davis, Steven Pryjmachuk, Ceu Mateus, Felix McNulty, Olu Jenzen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Despite overwhelming international evidence of elevated rates of poor mental health in LGBTQ+ youth compared to their cis-heterosexual peers, we know relatively little about effective mental health services for this population group. This study aims to produce the first early intervention model of “what works” to support LGBTQ+ youth with emerging mental health problems. Utilizing a mixed method case study, we collected data across 12 UK mental health service case study sites that involved: (a) interviews with young people, parents, and mental health practitioners (n = 93); (b) documentary analysis; (c) nonparticipant observation. The data analysis strategy was theoretical using the “explanation-building” analytical technique. Our analysis suggests an intersectional youth rights approach with 13 principles that must be enacted to provide good mental health services as advocated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and World Health Organization. This approach should address the multiple forms of marginalization and stigmatization that LGBTQ+ youth may experience, enable informed independent decision-making, and uphold the right to freedom of safe self-expression. A rights-based approach to mental health services for LGBTQ+ young people is not prominent. This needs to change if we are to tackle this mental health inequality and improve the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services
Early online date22 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 22 Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

Acknowledgments:
The work reported in this paper was funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Grant No: NIHRDH-HS&DR/17/09/04. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the NIHR.

Keywords

  • LGBTQ+
  • young people
  • mental health support
  • early intervention
  • gender minorities
  • sexual minorities
  • human rights
  • intersectional
  • youth rights

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