Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a ... more Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a higher risk for increased substance use and mental health symptoms. The current study is a secondary analysis of two clinical trials for street-living youth. This analysis examines self-identification as GLB as a moderator of treatment effects and addresses whether street-living GLB youth respond differently to a therapeutic intervention than non-GLB street-living youth. Comparisons were made of treatment outcomes on two categories of variables (drug use and mental health symptoms) among 244 homeless GLB and non-GLB identified adolescents. Overall, GLB and non-GLB adolescents showed similar reductions in drug use and mental health symptoms. However, compared to non-GLB adolescents, GLB adolescents showed greater improvement in reduction of drug use and internalizing and depressive symptom scores. While both groups reported less drug use and fewer mental health symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, GLB youth's scores improved more drastically. Implications of using the identified treatment intervention are discussed.► GLB identification did not moderate treatment effects. ► GLB youth showed greater improvement in drug use and mental health symptoms. ► Treatment tailored to the youth may be more important than GLB specific treatment.
Journal of marital and family therapy, Jan 1, 2008
In the past few years, members of the AAMFT, like members of other professional groups, have enga... more In the past few years, members of the AAMFT, like members of other professional groups, have engaged in a discourse as to the necessity and effectiveness of sexual reorientation therapies. The purpose of this article is to review, critique, and synthesize the scientific rigor of the literature base underpinning sexual reorientation therapy research. Using a systematic narrative analysis approach, 28 empirically based, peer-reviewed articles meeting eligibility criteria were coded for sample characteristics and demographics as well as numerous methodology descriptors. Results indicate the literature base is full of omissions which threaten the validity of interpreting available data.
Stress has been extensively researched in the HIV services field. Yet, research regarding stress ... more Stress has been extensively researched in the HIV services field. Yet, research regarding stress related to HIV-test counseling has solely focused on stressors related to giving results, even though stress on the HIV test counselor can occur at many points within a counseling session. This exploratory, qualitative study examines the stressors faced and coping mechanisms utilized by HIV-test counselors at AIDS service organizations (ASOs) during rapid HIV-test counseling sessions. Forty-two HIV test counselors were interviewed regarding HIV-test counseling sessions in which they provided preliminary-positive/reactive, negative/nonreactive, and invalid results. Regardless of the test result, HIV test counselors faced stressors, including giving HIV test results; dealing with emotions; difficult clients; self-doubt; and systemic stressors. Most stress was managed through social support, preparatory coping strategies, respite, and putting things into perspective. Despite the exploratory nature of the study, the findings suggest that strengthening support bases and improving current training standards will increase the well-being of HIV test counselors.
Journal of marital and family therapy, Jan 1, 2011
Most studies have indicated that friends or families of choice provide more support to HIV-positi... more Most studies have indicated that friends or families of choice provide more support to HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) than members of the family of origin. The creation of families of choice by MSM has been viewed as a means of creating a support system in the absence of traditional family. The purpose of this study is to explore if HIV-positive MSM believe family of origin is important. Data were drawn from a qualitative study of HIV disclosure to family. Responses to the question, “How important is family to you?” are explored. Results suggest that for many HIV-positive MSM, relationships with family of origin are very important. While not definitive, data to be presented are provocative and challenge notions of the significance of family of origin to marginalized populations.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to assist HIV positive ... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to assist HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in forming and executing strategies for the disclosure of their serostatus to their families of origin. Results indicate that the intervention was successful in assisting men with the primary outcome of disclosure. Participants reported no regret with disclosures occurring during the intervention and follow-up period. Effects on secondary outcomes including family functioning, depression, loneliness, and perceived social support were inconclusive. Implications, refinements of this intervention, and suggestions for future disclosure research are provided. El objeto de la investigación fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención que ayuda a los hombres VIH-positivos que tienen sexo con otros hombres (HSH) a formar y llevar a cabo estrategias para revelar su estado serológico a las familias de origen. Los resultados indican que la intervención fue exitosa, ayudando a los hombres con el resultado principal de la revelación. Los participantes comunicaron que no tenían remordimiento después de las revelaciones que ocurrieron durante la intervención y el seguimiento. Los efectos sobre los resultados secundarios incluyendo el funcionamiento familiar, la depresión, la soledad, y la percepción del apoyo social percibido, no fueron concluyentes. Las implicaciones, los mejoramientos de la intervención, y las sugerencias para investigaciones sobre la revelación en el futuro están incluidos.
Very little research has been conducted focusing on regret associated with disclosing either HIV-... more Very little research has been conducted focusing on regret associated with disclosing either HIV-positive serostatus or sexual orientation information. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of regret related to the disclosure of serostatus and sexual orientation to family members among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and to further explore the participant, family member, and relationship characteristics that influence the likelihood of experiencing regret. Almost half of participants indicated no regret with the disclosure of either HIV-positive serostatus or sexual orientation. Among those that did experience some regret, the prevalence of regret with at least one family member was similar for HIV-positive serostatus (39.4%) and for sexual orientation (37.3%). Suggestions for professionals working with HIV-positive MSM and implications for future research are presented.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether HIV-positive women experience regret as a conseq... more The purpose of this study was to examine whether HIV-positive women experience regret as a consequence of disclosing their HIV serostatus. Participants for this study were 73 HIV-positive women involved in a longitudinal study of HIV disclosure. Results revealed that overall, participants experienced little regret. Fifty nine percent of women experienced no regret and 71% had regret percentages that were less than 10%. Results indicated that all estimated odds ratios were not statistically significant, with the exception of relationship satisfaction and relationship to participant.
Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a ... more Researchers have found that adolescents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) are at a higher risk for increased substance use and mental health symptoms. The current study is a secondary analysis of two clinical trials for street-living youth. This analysis examines self-identification as GLB as a moderator of treatment effects and addresses whether street-living GLB youth respond differently to a therapeutic intervention than non-GLB street-living youth. Comparisons were made of treatment outcomes on two categories of variables (drug use and mental health symptoms) among 244 homeless GLB and non-GLB identified adolescents. Overall, GLB and non-GLB adolescents showed similar reductions in drug use and mental health symptoms. However, compared to non-GLB adolescents, GLB adolescents showed greater improvement in reduction of drug use and internalizing and depressive symptom scores. While both groups reported less drug use and fewer mental health symptoms from baseline to post-intervention, GLB youth's scores improved more drastically. Implications of using the identified treatment intervention are discussed.► GLB identification did not moderate treatment effects. ► GLB youth showed greater improvement in drug use and mental health symptoms. ► Treatment tailored to the youth may be more important than GLB specific treatment.
Journal of marital and family therapy, Jan 1, 2008
In the past few years, members of the AAMFT, like members of other professional groups, have enga... more In the past few years, members of the AAMFT, like members of other professional groups, have engaged in a discourse as to the necessity and effectiveness of sexual reorientation therapies. The purpose of this article is to review, critique, and synthesize the scientific rigor of the literature base underpinning sexual reorientation therapy research. Using a systematic narrative analysis approach, 28 empirically based, peer-reviewed articles meeting eligibility criteria were coded for sample characteristics and demographics as well as numerous methodology descriptors. Results indicate the literature base is full of omissions which threaten the validity of interpreting available data.
Stress has been extensively researched in the HIV services field. Yet, research regarding stress ... more Stress has been extensively researched in the HIV services field. Yet, research regarding stress related to HIV-test counseling has solely focused on stressors related to giving results, even though stress on the HIV test counselor can occur at many points within a counseling session. This exploratory, qualitative study examines the stressors faced and coping mechanisms utilized by HIV-test counselors at AIDS service organizations (ASOs) during rapid HIV-test counseling sessions. Forty-two HIV test counselors were interviewed regarding HIV-test counseling sessions in which they provided preliminary-positive/reactive, negative/nonreactive, and invalid results. Regardless of the test result, HIV test counselors faced stressors, including giving HIV test results; dealing with emotions; difficult clients; self-doubt; and systemic stressors. Most stress was managed through social support, preparatory coping strategies, respite, and putting things into perspective. Despite the exploratory nature of the study, the findings suggest that strengthening support bases and improving current training standards will increase the well-being of HIV test counselors.
Journal of marital and family therapy, Jan 1, 2011
Most studies have indicated that friends or families of choice provide more support to HIV-positi... more Most studies have indicated that friends or families of choice provide more support to HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) than members of the family of origin. The creation of families of choice by MSM has been viewed as a means of creating a support system in the absence of traditional family. The purpose of this study is to explore if HIV-positive MSM believe family of origin is important. Data were drawn from a qualitative study of HIV disclosure to family. Responses to the question, “How important is family to you?” are explored. Results suggest that for many HIV-positive MSM, relationships with family of origin are very important. While not definitive, data to be presented are provocative and challenge notions of the significance of family of origin to marginalized populations.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to assist HIV positive ... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to assist HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in forming and executing strategies for the disclosure of their serostatus to their families of origin. Results indicate that the intervention was successful in assisting men with the primary outcome of disclosure. Participants reported no regret with disclosures occurring during the intervention and follow-up period. Effects on secondary outcomes including family functioning, depression, loneliness, and perceived social support were inconclusive. Implications, refinements of this intervention, and suggestions for future disclosure research are provided. El objeto de la investigación fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención que ayuda a los hombres VIH-positivos que tienen sexo con otros hombres (HSH) a formar y llevar a cabo estrategias para revelar su estado serológico a las familias de origen. Los resultados indican que la intervención fue exitosa, ayudando a los hombres con el resultado principal de la revelación. Los participantes comunicaron que no tenían remordimiento después de las revelaciones que ocurrieron durante la intervención y el seguimiento. Los efectos sobre los resultados secundarios incluyendo el funcionamiento familiar, la depresión, la soledad, y la percepción del apoyo social percibido, no fueron concluyentes. Las implicaciones, los mejoramientos de la intervención, y las sugerencias para investigaciones sobre la revelación en el futuro están incluidos.
Very little research has been conducted focusing on regret associated with disclosing either HIV-... more Very little research has been conducted focusing on regret associated with disclosing either HIV-positive serostatus or sexual orientation information. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of regret related to the disclosure of serostatus and sexual orientation to family members among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and to further explore the participant, family member, and relationship characteristics that influence the likelihood of experiencing regret. Almost half of participants indicated no regret with the disclosure of either HIV-positive serostatus or sexual orientation. Among those that did experience some regret, the prevalence of regret with at least one family member was similar for HIV-positive serostatus (39.4%) and for sexual orientation (37.3%). Suggestions for professionals working with HIV-positive MSM and implications for future research are presented.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether HIV-positive women experience regret as a conseq... more The purpose of this study was to examine whether HIV-positive women experience regret as a consequence of disclosing their HIV serostatus. Participants for this study were 73 HIV-positive women involved in a longitudinal study of HIV disclosure. Results revealed that overall, participants experienced little regret. Fifty nine percent of women experienced no regret and 71% had regret percentages that were less than 10%. Results indicated that all estimated odds ratios were not statistically significant, with the exception of relationship satisfaction and relationship to participant.
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Papers by Erika L. Grafsky