Bauermeister J, Choi SK, Bruehlman-Senecal E, et al. An Identity-Affirming Web Application to Help Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Cope With Minority Stress: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24(8):e39094. doi:10.2196/39094
This pilot randomized controlled trial provides initial efficacy and acceptability data for the web application imi (pronounced eye-me). The imi application aims to facilitate LGBTQ+ identity affirmation, promote cognitive and behavioral coping skills, and connect the LGBTQ+ community. The application includes opportunities for skill practice, self-guided learning, and community engagement in four content areas: stress, queerness, stigma, and gender. In this trial, participants were randomly assigned access to imi or a platform only displaying the resources page from the imi webpage (resource-only control). Participants (n = 270) were English-speaking sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth (age 13-19) living in the United States with access to the internet, web browser, and SMS messages. Participants were asked to visit their web applications a minimum of twice a week for four weeks. E-mail or text reminders were sent out based on participant preferences. Overall, imi had more positive feedback compared to the resource-only application. SGM youth were more likely to report imi as beneficial and worth recommending to a peer than the resource-only application. The surveyed SGM youth found imi appropriate and engaging for their demographic. SGM youth not only reported liking imi but showed an increased ability to identify and cope with stressful events. Imi and the control also increased participants’ perceptions of access to resources to deal with stress. As both conditions used the same resources information, this provides evidence that the provided resources, regardless of other content, are helpful for SGM youth. Overall, this study provides promising evidence for the imi application.