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Affirmative Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion‑Based Group Intervention for Sexual Minorities (Free2Be): A Non‑Randomized Mixed‑Method Study for Feasibility with Exploratory Analysis of Efectiveness
Seabra, Daniel Gato, Jorge Petrocchi, Nicola
do Céu Salvador, Maria
Seabra, Daniel
Gato, Jorge
do Céu Salvador, Maria
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Abstract
Objectives. Despite sexual minority (SM), i.e. individuals who identify as lesbian women, gay men, bisexual, or pansexual, individuals presenting worse mental health outcomes when compared to heterosexual individuals, they face more difculties in accessing afrmative and quality health services. This study is a mixed-method non-randomized single-arm trial targeting SM individuals assessing the feasibility and exploratory fndings from an afrmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention (Free2Be).
Method. Eighteen participants who self-identifed as SM, with a mean age of 30.80 years old, underwent a face-to-face group intervention with 13 weekly sessions (Free2Be). Feasibility was assessed in three domains (acceptability, practicality,
and preliminary efectiveness) with self-report questionnaires and hetero-report interviews, during and after the intervention, and using a mixed-methods approach. Using a pre–post and participant-by-participant design, changes were assessed in self-reported internalized stigma, psychopathology indicators, and mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion processes.
Results. The Free2Be was acceptable and feasible in all three domains. Participants who completed the intervention (≥80% of attendance) revealed signifcant or reliable decreases in stress and social anxiety symptoms, self-criticism, and fear of compassion for the self.
Conclusions. The study provides evidence of the feasibility of the intervention. This afrmative mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion-based group intervention seems to be feasible and acceptable for SM individuals. These promising fndings warrant further investigation within a pilot study.
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Date
2024
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Springer
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Keywords
Feasibility, Affirmative intervention, Mindfulness, Acceptance, Compassion, Sexual minorities
Citation
Seabra, Daniel, Jorge Gato, Nicola Petrocchi, and Maria do Céu Salvador. “Affirmative Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Compassion-Based Group Intervention for Sexual Minorities (Free2Be): A Non-Randomized Mixed-Method Study for Feasibility with Exploratory Analysis of Effectiveness.” Mindfulness, July. 2024.