Family Acceptance Project Online (Pilot RCT)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Feb 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Family Acceptance Project Online (FAP-O) is a clinical trial aimed at helping families support their LGBTQ+ youth, especially those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. This study is important because many young people in these groups face mental health challenges and struggles due to family rejection, which can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors. The trial will evaluate a nine-week online program that teaches caregivers how to be more accepting and supportive of their sexual and gender minority youth. It will also look at how the program can improve family communication and bonding, boost the youth's self-esteem, and reduce mental health problems.

To participate, youth must be between 14 and 20 years old, identify as LGBTQ+, and belong to a racial or ethnic minority group. They should also live in the U.S. and have access to a device with the internet. Caregivers, such as parents or guardians, need to be over 18, aware of the youth's identity, and able to commit to attending sessions. The program consists of eight online meetings, and both youth and caregivers will complete surveys before, immediately after, and six months after the program to see its impact. Participants will also have the chance to share their feedback about the program to help improve it for future families.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (youth):
• • 1. Identify as a sexual/gender minority (including youth questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity AND their identity must be known to their participating caregiver).
• • 2. Identify as a person of color/belonging to a minority racial and/or ethnic group.
• • 3. Be between the ages of 14 and 20 years
• • 4. Read and speak English
• • 5. Live in the United States
• • 6. Report consistent access to a phone, tablet, and/or computer with high-speed internet access
• • 7. Report an ability to attend eight, two-hour online sessions at pre-determined times
• • 8. Report moderate to high levels of caregiver/family rejection
• • 9. Not be at high-risk for suicide
• • 10. Not be actively psychotic
• Inclusion Criteria (caregivers):
• • 1. Be a caregiver (biological parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or another adult who provides care) to an SGMY of color between the ages of 14 to 20
• • 2. Be over the age of 18
• • 3. Read and speak English
• • 4. Live in the United States
• • 5. Report consistent access to a phone, tablet, and/or computer with high-speed internet access.
• • 6. Report an ability to attend nine, two-hour online sessions at pre-determined times.
• • 7. Be aware of the SGM youth's minority identity
• • 8. NOT identify as SGM
• • 9. Report spending time with participating youth at least 5 waking hours per week
• • 10. Not be at high-risk for suicide
• • 11. Not be actively psychotic