University of Otago psychology PhD student and clinical psychology trainee Claudia Garcia is evaluating the mental health of queer university students.
She has adapted an online mental health intervention programme by targeting it for use by people within the rainbow community.
First year students took part in an online survey which provided information about their mental health and about gender and sexual identity.
Early data suggested queer students were at a higher risk of anxiety and depression, which was consistent with similar surveys undertaken in other countries, Miss Garcia said.
"I also interviewed queer students who did not necessarily meet the criteria for mental distress, and asked them ‘what are your experiences with mental health care services, what are your daily challenges as queer students?"
From that information she adapted an online mental health intervention to create specific modules for this population.
Called QRelax, the intervention enabled students to complete modules which guided them towards potential actions that could improve their mental health.
A coach was able to read the modules and provide chat support, following up with students within three days.
"We give them some encouragement, some feedback, ask them a few questions to extend on what they are showing us to understand a bit more about their thoughts and feelings."
The programme aimed to fill a gap in resources aimed specifically for members of the rainbow community.
Miss Garcia said she began her PhD hoping to focus on social anxiety treatments.
"I scoured the literature and there was just no guidance on treating queer people with social anxiety disorder."
University of Otago department of psychological medicine senior lecturer Dr Charlene Rapsey said the programme was part of a broader project focused on tertiary enrolled students aged between 18 and 24.
This age range had the highest prevalence of mental disorder, so finding ways to provide intervention early was important.
"We want to treat them early to prevent those problems leading to worse outcomes later on."
