An Exploratory Evaluation Case Study on Latinx-Maternal Acceptance Promotion of LGBTQ+ Youth Using Participatory Culture-Specific Intervention Modeling (PCSIM) Methods

Abstract

Family acceptance is one of the strongest predictors of mental health in youth with diverse sexual orientations and genders (LGBTQ+) In Latinx communities, where the values of familismo, machismo, and religion may present as both strengths and barriers to facilitating family acceptance, culture-responsive programming can encourage LGBTQ+ youth acceptance. This study uses an exploratory evaluation case study design to learn how using participatory culture-specific intervention modeling (PCSIM) methods can facilitate Latinx maternal acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth and to identify the successes and challenges researchers encountered throughout the process to inform future intervention implementation efforts. A total of n = 16 Latinx community members participated in the brief psychoeducational programming. The participants were Latinx women—predominately mothers—and ranged in age from 14 to 55 years old. All the participants spoke Spanish and n = 4 also spoke English. The study presents the PCISM process and mothers’ evaluation of their experience and perceptions using mixed methods. The maternal reports indicated favorable qualitative acceptability and efficacy findings but demonstrated minimal statistical significance. This study conveys how researchers implemented the PCSIM approach to yield brief, culture-responsive programming with Latinx mothers to facilitate their openness towards accepting LGBTQ+ children in their homes and communities. The researchers reviewed how the practices from this current study can be used or amended in future culture-responsive programming that partners with Latinx mothers and community centers collaborating with this community to facilitate acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth to yield more generalizable and sustainable program development.