STARS (Exploratory Project 1)
Supporting Transitions to Adulthood and Reducing Suicide (STARS)
Emerging adult (ages 18-24) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority people (LGBTQ+) are vulnerable to unique sexuality-related stressors that increase risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Unique risk factors predict suicidal ideation and attempts in LGBTQ+ emerging adults, yet there are few targeted interventions to reduce suicide risk in LGBTQ+ emerging adults by improving social support, coping, and positive affect. We have previously developed and tested an online life skills intervention (iREACH) to reduce a variety of negative health outcomes (but not suicide risk). We are using the ADAPT-ITT Model to adapt iREACH to create a mobile application called Supporting Transitions to Adulthood and Reducing Suicide (STARS) to reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors among LGBTQ+ emerging adults.
STARS leverages peer mentoring and support to ensure that LGBTQ+ emerging adults can implement their safety plan in times of crisis. STARS includes suicide prevention content, including safety planning and targeting positive affect, considers cultural factors that may impact the efficacy of safety planning for EAGBM (e.g., access to LGBTQ+ safe spaces), and includes supports that promote use of a suicide safety plan. Peer mentors also provide social support through STARS in order to help reduce the impact of discrimination, connect youth to safe spaces, and help them overcome obstacles to using their safety plan. Guided by the RE-AIM implementation science framework, we are pilot testing STARS using a Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Design in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 60 LGBTQ+ emerging adults living in Philadelphia who report past-month suicidal ideation.
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