Description

AFFIRM is an evidence-informed, brief cognitive behavioural affirmative intervention for LGBTQ+ youth developed by Dr. Shelley Craig and Dr. Ashley Austin. Project Youth AFFIRM seeks to integrate identity affirmation with cognitive-behavioural interventions that are already known to work. This combined intervention is presented in the form of an eight hour training session targeted at LGBTQ+ youth and geared towards reducing sexually risky behaviour and depression among that demographic. The intervention teaches youth about the factors in cognition, mood, and behaviour that ultimately contribute towards depression and high-risk behaviour, as well as equipping them with the tools to manage and influence those factors by themselves.

Specifically, AFFIRM is a eight module, manualized intervention focused on reducing depression and improving coping and sexual self-efficacy by providing opportunities to develop sexual and gender minority youth cognition (self-awareness, identifying risk), mood (recognizing the link between thoughts and feelings) and behavior (identifying strengths and ways of coping).

Previous research had described the systematic development of AFFIRM including:
  1. Clinical case studies
  2. Community-based participatory research to inform the proposed AFFIRM model
  3. Incorporation of participant feedback into an affirmative and developmentally relevant intervention framework described in a “living” adapted manual
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Participate!

AFFIRM is currently recruiting participants in Toronto and Southern Ontario! Register today!
It was very enjoyable and educational. Thank you :)
- age 16, participant in AFFIRM
I learned coping methods, and to validate feelings.
- age 18, participant in AFFIRM

Youth Affirm External Website

Results

Publications

Media