Research and Resources

• PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS WHO WORK WITH LGBT PATIENTS: The American Psychological Association (APA) has established new guidelines for psychologists who work with LGBT patients. For the complete guidelines, including the rationale and the application in practice, please go to: www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines.aspx.
• PREJUDICE, SOCIAL STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH IN LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL POPULATIONS: CONCEPTUAL ISSUES AND RESEARCH EVIDENCE: Ilan H. Meyer, Columbia University. Click here for the pdf file. Published in final edited form as: Psychol Bull. 2003 September; 129(5); 674-697.
  
  In this article the author reviews research evidence on the prevalence of mental disorders in lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (LGBs) and shows, using meta-analyses, that LGBs have a higher prevalence of mental disorders than heterosexuals. The author offers a conceptual framework for understanding this excess in prevalence of disorder in terms of minority stress — explaning that stigma, prejudice and discrimination create a hostile and stressful social environment that causes mental health problems. The model describes stress processes, including the experience of prejudice events, expectations of rejection, hiding and concealing, internalized homophobia, and ameliorative coping processes.
• SEXUAL ORIENTATION CHANGE EFFORTS: The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed journal literature on sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) and concluded that efforts to change sexual orientation are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm, contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates. To read the Executive Summary in pdf format, click here
• LESBIAN AND GAY PARENTING: The American Psychological Association (APA) has developed a publication for the use of clinicians, researchers, students, lawyers and parents involved in legal and policy issues related to lesbian and gay parenting. The publication, Lesbian and Gay Parenting, includes a summary of research findings on lesbian mothers, gay fathers and their children, an annotated bibliography of the literature, and additional resources relevant to lesbian and gay parenting, including APA amicus briefs, professional association policies, and contact information for relevant organizations. For a copy of the publication, go to: www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/parenting.aspx.
• PRACTICE BRIEF: PROVIDING SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR YOUTH WHO ARE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUESTIONING, INTERSEX OR TWO-SPIRIT: This Practice Brief, developed by the American Psychological Association, is for policymakers, administrators and providers seeking to learn more about (1) youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S); and (2) how to develop culturally and linguistically competent programs and services to meet their needs and preferences. Click here for the full pdf file