Self-esteem intervention for sexual minority women
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A cognitive behavioural intervention to improve self-esteem in sexual minority women in primary care psychological therapies services: a feasibility and acceptability study.
IRAS ID
319064
Contact name
Katharine Rimes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Vice President (Research and Innovation)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 26 days
Research summary
Sexual minority women, such as women identifying as lesbian, bisexual, or queer, have increased rates of mental health problems. There is evidence that low self-esteem may be a risk factor. Improving self-esteem can reduce symptoms of mental health problems. This study is developing a new psychology intervention to improve self-esteem in sexual minority women. The intervention is based on a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model of low self-esteem model and it builds on recent PhD research which tested out a low self-esteem intervention for sexual minority young adults. The aim of this study is to adapt this intervention to be delivered with sexual minority women (16 years+) in NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. This study will investigate: Is this intervention acceptable to sexual minority women wanting help for low self-esteem and feasible to provide in IAPT services?
A study with nationwide data from IAPT found that sexual minority women had a 30% increased risk of not recovering on measures of depression, anxiety, and functional impairment after receiving psychological interventions compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Another study found that LGBQ+ wellbeing groups were less likely to be attended by sexual minority women. This study may help develop an alternative evidence-based intervention that could be offered within IAPT services for sexual minority women.
Sexual minority women registered with Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Croydon IAPT services and wanting help for low self-esteem may be eligible. They would receive 6 to 8 (1-hour) sessions of this intervention. They would have a 2-month follow-up, and complete additional questionnaires. Participation in this study does not make clients ineligible for routine care, they can withdraw from the study at any time and access treatment- as-usual. If participants become distressed, they will be signposted to appropriate support. Sessions will be online or face to face.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0325
Date of REC Opinion
11 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion