A Qualitative Investigation into LGBTQA+ People’s Perceptions Toward Digital, Self-Guided Mental Health Programs

Abstract

Digital, self-guided mental health programs have been shown to improve the mental health of LGBTQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, plus other gender, sexual, and romantic minority identities) people. Extant literature demonstrates that tailoring these programs to LGBTQA+ experiences is important, but how to meaningfully achieve this given the heterogeneity of identities within LGBTQA+ communities is a challenge. This research aimed to understand LGBTQA+ individuals' perceptions toward digital, self-guided mental health programs, including their thoughts on tailoring. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 24 Australian LGBTQA+ individuals recruited from a larger randomized control trial evaluating a digital, self-guided mental health program. Participants were aged between 17 and 53 years and predominantly from metropolitan areas in Australia. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and yielded three themes. Theme 1 identified that there is no "perfect" way to design a digital, self-guided mental health program. Theme 2 described the impacts of meaningful verses non-meaningful tailoring to LGBTQA+ challenges and experiences, and that the individual need for an LGBTQA+ tailored program fluctuates. Theme 3 identified that participants felt this care modality was safe, but adequate risk-management procedures are necessary. These findings re-affirm the importance of co-creation with communities to guide meaningful program design.

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