Online Family Program to Prevent Alcohol Use and Dating Violence in LGBTQ Teens Ages 15 to 18

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an online family-based program called the Healthy Families Bright Futures program aimed at preventing alcohol use and dating violence among sexual and gender minority youth SGMY aged 15 to 18. The study focuses on understanding if the program is acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for LGBTQ teens and their caregivers, and how it affects teen and caregiver outcomes related to these risks. The program addresses unique risk factors such as caregiver rejection and internalized minority stress, alongside universal factors like social-emotional skill deficits and inaccurate perceptions of alcohol and dating violence norms. The program includes seven weekly online group sessions, with separate sessions for teens and caregivers. Caregiver sessions focus on fostering acceptance and positive parenting skills, while teen sessions aim to reduce internalized homophobia, improve social-emotional skills, correct norms around alcohol use and dating violence, and enhance communication and conflict resolution. The sessions are co-facilitated by an SGM young adult and a caregiver. Participants are randomly assigned to either complete the program or be in a waitlist control group, with assessments at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three months later. Participants and their caregivers will complete surveys and assessments at baseline, immediately after the program, and at three-month follow-up to measure outcomes such as alcohol use intentions, dating violence victimization and perpetration, minority stress, family communication, and parenting behaviors. The study monitors program acceptability and feasibility through observations and surveys. Recruitment occurs nationwide through social media and LGBTQ organizations, and participants must have internet access to complete the online program and assessments.

The Healthy Families Bright Futures Program