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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4025-9265
Date Available
5-15-2023
Year of Publication
2023
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Faculty
Laura Escobar-Ratliff DSW
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals (LGBI) have a higher rate of mental health disorders than the general population. The mental health disparities experienced by LGBI are positively correlated with higher internalized homonegativity (IH) levels, which impacts their functioning at the unconscious, cognitive, and interpersonal levels. Thus, effective interventions targeting the mental health of LGBI must consider IH's intrapsychic, cognitive, and interpersonal nature. An integrative psychotherapy approach addressing the mental health and IH of LGBI is needed to address the intrapsychic, cognitive, and interpersonal factors at play.
Product one of this capstone is a systematic literature review that identified psychotherapeutic interventions adapted for the treatment of IH. Four primary interventions were identified: (1) psychodynamic, (2) cognitive, (3) person-centered, and (4) gay-affirmative, which each addresses a specific psychological domain (e.g., intrapsychic, cognitive, interpersonal). However, the literature lacked an inclusive model addressing all three psychological domains. The result of the systematic review indicated a need for a comprehensive model to address the intrapsychic, cognitive, and interpersonal functioning of LGBI with IH.
Product two is a conceptual paper that offers an integrative model that addresses the various levels of mental functioning of LGBI. The IPM-IH is a novel treatment approach that integrates psychodynamic, cognitive, person-centered, and gay-affirmative interventions. The model aims to systematically incorporate several therapeutic approaches to address the various aspects of IH effectively. Product three is a practice application paper that outlines a systematic approach to treating IH in individual therapy. It describes a three-stage model focusing on (1) assessment and therapeutic rapport, (2) treatment, and (3) evaluation. Each product builds on the prior, culminating in a thorough analysis of the impact IH has on the mental well-being of LGBI, offering a novel solution to the lack of an integrative treatment model that addresses the psychological, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of IH.
Recommended Citation
Kearby, David, "INTERNALIZED HOMONEGATIVITY AND THE MENTAL HEALTH OF LESBIAN, GAY, AND BISEXUAL INDIVIDUALS: AN INTEGRATIVE TREATMENT APPROACH" (2023). DSW Capstone Projects. 58.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/58
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