Respond to two colleagues

Post the APA-style reference for the article you found in the library.

Russell, S. T., & Fish, J. N. (2016). Mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 465-487. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093153

Two Psychologically Related Factors

One psychological factor to consider is that LGBTQ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing poor mental health symptoms and diagnoses than heterosexuals. Members of the LGBT population report elevated rates of depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Russell & Fish, 2016). Another psychological factor is poor behavioral health. This is seen through elevated alcohol use and abuse rates, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. "In a recent meta-analysis, Marshal et al. (2011) reported that sexual minority youth were almost three times as likely to report suicidality" (Russell & Fish, 2016).

Two Socially Related Factors

One social factor is that LGBT individuals experience a lack of societal acceptance. This creates a stigmatized identity, and these individuals are at a higher risk of suffering from victimization, prejudice, and discrimination (Russell & Fish, 2016). Another social factor is that the LGBT community is at a higher risk of experiencing family conflict, child maltreatment, and family rejection. These societal rejections have led to a lack of standardized protections. These individuals’ risk being rejected by their friends and families, jobs, schools, churches, and other community settings.

Identify and explain how you would apply a psychosocial intervention that addresses one of the four specific psychosocial factors you described above.

One psychosocial intervention I would apply would be to have public schools create an affirming and protective school environment by implementing anti-bullying laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity (Russell & Fish, 2016). Additionally, schools should offer counselors and peer support groups to discuss concerns with youth who feel suicidal and struggle with their gender identity. Interventions at the youth level are essential because events that occur during this crucial developmental time and the reactions that take place carry on into adulthood.

Identify one advantage of using a psychosocial framework in social work practice with the group you chose.

One measurable outcome could be that LGBT students experience less victimization, harassment, and discrimination within their school setting. Leading to a decrease in suicide rates, students will report feeling supported and protected within their school because they utilize the opportunity to discuss their stressors with counselors and peer support groups. Also, the psychosocial theory will help therapists better understand their clients through analyzing the psycho and social factors they experience. A therapist uses a psychosocial framework to become more familiar with understanding the psychological and social factors that affect those from unique groups. Suppose LGBTQ individuals are afraid to discuss topics with a parent or family. In that case, their coping recommendations, such as community support groups, drop-in centers, street outreach programs, and LGBTQ housing programs, can be tools used to help clients build intrapersonal skills.

References

Russell, S. T., & Fish, J. N. (2016). Mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 465-487. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093153

Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.