5 - (SYM 44) Development and Initial Evaluation of Mindfulness-based Queer Resilience (MBQR) to Promote Mental and Sexual Health Among Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men

This study reports findings from early phase intervention development, followed by a mixed-methods clinical trial open pilot of a mindfulness-based intervention, called “Mindfulness-based Queer Resilience (MBQR),” among young adult gay, bisexual, and queer men (age 18-34) with elevated mental health symptoms and recent condomless anal sex. Sexual minority men are at heightened risk for mental and sexual health issues, yet interventions addressing the dual needs are scarce. Through formative research with community members and stakeholders (n = 26), key principles of MBQR were revealed, including (a) reducing minority stress as a key theoretical guide, (b) affirming LGBTQ + identity and facilitating healthy identity development, (c) attending to intersectionality, (d) facilitating resilience and self-empowerment, (e) trauma sensitivity, and (f) promoting healthy relationships and a healthy community. Following identified principles, we systematically adapted Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and developed the Mindfulness-based Queer Resilience Program. An open pilot of MBQR, delivered via internet, with young gay, bisexual, and queer men (n = 19) was conducted to understand preliminary feasibility and acceptability and refine intervention protocol. Baseline to post-intervention longitudinal assessment suggest that participants who completed the MBQR program showed improvement in depression, anxiety, and safe sex. Analysis of exit-interviews found that MBQR had positive impact on psychological and sexual health through promoting LGBTQ+ identity and belonging, kindness for self and others, and sexual and interpersonal communication and assertiveness. Findings on program feasibility and acceptability showed promising results, with suggestions for improvement (e.g., offering different format, creating subgroups for non-binary and bisexual individuals). In conclusion, there may be potential benefits of a tailored, internet-delivered mindfulness-based intervention such as MBQR to reduce the burden of mental and sexual health among sexual minority men. A future randomized controlled trial (RCT) is in need to understand the efficacy of this approach as well as facilitators and barriers for future dissemination. If proven to be feasible and efficacious, MBQR may offer the potential to alleviate adverse impacts of minority stress and improve mental and sexual health of sexual minority men.