Actively Recruiting
Development and Evaluation of an Indigenized Family Acceptance Project for Lakota LGBTQ2S+ Youth
Led by University of Michigan · Updated on 2026-01-26
28
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are developing a Lakota-adapted Family Acceptance Project (LFAP) aimed at Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers. This open pilot trial focuses on assessing the program's acceptability, feasibility, and safety. The project addresses family rejection rooted in colonization and historical trauma, which contributes to mental health challenges among Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. The program aims to promote family acceptance, bonding, youth pride, and reduce mental health risks. The intervention consists of an 8-session group program delivered weekly, with each session lasting two hours. The sessions are culturally grounded and begin with Lakota spiritual practices. Participants include Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 13 to 18 and their caregivers, who attend the sessions together. After enrolling and completing a baseline survey, families participate in the sessions in two rounds, with surveys conducted before, immediately after, and following the intervention. An Advisory Board ensures the program remains culturally relevant. Participants complete surveys measuring suicidality, depression, anxiety, dating violence, substance use, school engagement, and sexual risk both before and after the program. An exit interview also gathers feedback to refine the intervention. The study monitors safety closely, excluding those at imminent risk of suicide or experiencing psychosis. Participation includes attending weekly sessions over eight weeks and completing multiple assessments to track changes in mental health and family dynamics.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Lakota Family Acceptance Project
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Youth must identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and their caregiver must know this identity
- Youth must identify as Indigenous (multiracial youth including Indigenous are eligible)
- Youth must be between 13 and 18 years old
- Youth must read and speak English
- Youth must report moderate to high levels of family rejection
- Youth and caregiver must be able and committed to attend eight weekly 2-hour sessions together
- Caregivers must be adults over 18 years old
- Caregivers must read and speak English
- Caregivers must be aware of the youth's 2SLGBTQ+ identity
You will not qualify if you...
- Youth and caregivers at imminent risk for suicide
- Youth and caregivers currently experiencing psychosis symptoms as determined by safety screening items
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants attend eight weekly 2-hour family-centered group sessions delivered by Lakota facilitators to promote caregiver acceptance, family bonding, and support for 2SLGBTQ+ Lakota youth.
Weekly visits for 8 weeks (in-person group sessions)
Duration - Within 1 week after intervention conclusion
Participants complete an immediate follow-up survey within one week after the intervention to assess mental health and family dynamics.
1 follow-up visit (in-person or remote survey)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Wahwala Iyohlogya/Peaceful Means
Pine Ridge, South Dakota, United States, 57770
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Michigan/Rapid City
Rapid City, South Dakota, United States, 57701
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Katie Edwards (Principal Investigator), PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
1
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