Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Sexual Minority Populations

TY - CHAP

T1 - Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Sexual Minority Populations

AU - Camp, Jake

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Individuals identifying as sexual minorities and sexuality diverse (that is, LGBQ+) are at increased risk of difficulties associated with emotion dysregulation, such as self-harm and suicidal behaviours, compared to their heterosexual peers. This increased risk is thought to be explained by exposure to minority stressors and invalidation in heteronormative environments. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention targeting emotion dysregulation and associated difficulties. This chapter will outline the ways in which DBT may be a potentially viable option for supporting sexuality-diverse or -minority individuals experiencing psychological distress, emotion deregulation, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours. It is considered that the underlying transactional biosocial model, principle-based nature of the therapy, and applicability of the principles and skills may be particular strengths of DBT in supporting LGBQ+ people in distress. This chapter further discusses suggestions for therapists supporting sexual-minorities, relevant research investigating the applicability of DBT to this population, and LGBQ-affirmative adaptations for sexuality-diverse clients.

AB - Individuals identifying as sexual minorities and sexuality diverse (that is, LGBQ+) are at increased risk of difficulties associated with emotion dysregulation, such as self-harm and suicidal behaviours, compared to their heterosexual peers. This increased risk is thought to be explained by exposure to minority stressors and invalidation in heteronormative environments. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based intervention targeting emotion dysregulation and associated difficulties. This chapter will outline the ways in which DBT may be a potentially viable option for supporting sexuality-diverse or -minority individuals experiencing psychological distress, emotion deregulation, self-harm, and suicidal behaviours. It is considered that the underlying transactional biosocial model, principle-based nature of the therapy, and applicability of the principles and skills may be particular strengths of DBT in supporting LGBQ+ people in distress. This chapter further discusses suggestions for therapists supporting sexual-minorities, relevant research investigating the applicability of DBT to this population, and LGBQ-affirmative adaptations for sexuality-diverse clients.

M3 - Chapter

BT - Sexual Minorities and Mental Health

PB - Palgrave Macmillan

ER -