Effects of cognitive behavior therapy-based psychoeducation program on mental health among LGBTQ+ high school students

Abstract

Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among LGBTQ+ high
school students, research on prevention interventions has remained limited.
This quasi-experimental study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness
of Rainbow Psycho-care, a CBT-based psychoeducational group program to
promote mental health in LGBTQ+ high school students. Thirty participants
aged between 15 and 17 years were recruited and assigned to the experimental
group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). Participants in the experimental
group received a 12-session intervention, while those in the control group
received no intervention. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and
protective factors on mental health problems for LGBTQ+ high school student
questionnaire were administered at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and
1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The results indicated significant differences
between the groups in stress, anxiety, and depression levels at the post
experiment, as well as at 1-month and 3-month follow-up periods (p < .05),
with a large effect size (η2
p
> 0.14). Additionally, resilience and self-esteem
differed significantly between groups across the assessment points (p < .05),
with a large effect size (η2
p
> 0.14). However, positive psychology levels did not
differ significantly (p > .05). These findings suggested that Rainbow Psycho
care effectively reduces stress, anxiety, and depression levels among LGBTQ+
high school students. Moreover, Rainbow Psycho-care demonstrated potential
benefits in enhancing protective factors such as resilience, self-esteem, and
positive psychology for LGBTQ+ high school students.