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Abstract #156786

Bryan N. Cochran, PhD¹, Annesa Flentje Santa, MA², and K. Michelle Peavy, MA². (1) Dept. of Psychology, University of Montana, SB#143, Dept. of Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-2391, bryan.cochran@umontana.edu, (2) Department of Psychology, University of Montana, SB#143, Dept. of Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

Research with underserved and stigmatized populations raises a number of methodological and ethical issues; this is certainly the case with studies involving LGBT populations. Furthermore, the implications of research for politics and policy are far-reaching. The purpose of this group of presentations is to illustrate methodological issues in conducting LGBT research, while also discussing the impact of research on public opinion and policy shifts. The three different topics addressed illustrate the potential of research and policy to reciprocally influence one other in the culturally specific construction of scientific knowledge. The first presentation discusses the historical inclusion or exclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as variables in research studies. Second, data on substance use among LGBT populations, as well as analyses of services that agencies offer for LGBT clients, will be presented. The final presentation examines the issue of LGBT individuals serving in the military through presenting results of a national survey of LGBT veterans.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify three barriers to conducting research in LGBT mental health.
• Give three examples of ways that LGBT mental health research may impact policies or service provisions.
• Describe how LGBT veteran research may inform current political policies.

Keywords: Mental Health, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.