Even though processes of adolescent development are similar for both sexual minority and heterosexual youth, sexual minority youth are subjected to several additional risk factors, including social stigmatization, isolation, and inadequate social supports and resources. The cumulative effects of these factors are social/psychological isolation, harassment by peers and adults, dropping out of school, depression, suicide and sexually transmitted diseases. The National Teen Action Research Center (NTARC), a youth center of the Institute for Community Research, uses a participatory action research model with diverse groups of youth, including sexual minority youth, to reduce these risk factors. The NTARC model empowers youth by developing several skills, including leadership, group problem solving, communication, social negotiation, critical thinking and research skills. Interventions based on this model demonstrate that peers are more effective in promoting risk avoidance than adults, especially when they can develop their own prevention strategies. In addition, this model provides support to youth that may or may not have the opportunities to express themselves safely. NTARC adult and teen staff will present the model and teen facilitated action research projects, and discuss the benefits of using the model as a means for health promotion and advocacy with sexual minority youth to reduce health risks. At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will understand (1) the use of NTARC model for risk reduction among sexual minority youth, (2) the resources available for sexual minority youth, and (3) the use of sexual minority youth research educators as peer facilitators.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will understand (1) the use of NTARC model for risk reduction among sexual minority youth, (2) the resources available for sexual minority youth, and (3) the use of sexual minority youth research educators as peer facilitators
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Gay
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.