About AFFIRM
AFFIRM is an eight session, manualized intervention. It is focused on reducing depression and improving coping and sexual self-efficacy for LGBTTQQ2SA* youth and adults by providing them opportunities to develop identity cognition (self-awareness, identifying risk), mood (recognizing the link between thoughts and feelings), and behaviour (identifying strengths and ways of coping), as well as equipping them with the tools to manage and influence those factors by themselves.
AFFIRM seeks to integrate identity affirmation with cognitive-behavioural interventions that are already known to work. This combined intervention is presented in the form of eight sessions targeted at LGBTTQQ2SA* youth and adults and geared towards reducing depression and enhancing coping skills, while validating the strengths of its participants.
Research
Currently, we are studying AFFIRM to understand better how it positively impacts the wellbeing and coping of LGBTQ+ people across Canada. As such, the AFFIRM intervention includes surveys which serve to gather information about the intervention’s efficacy. For more information, visit our FAQ.
AFFIRM Locations
Canada
The AFFIRM research project is primarily based in Ontario, Canada; however, other Canadian residents may be eligible to attend an Ontario-based group. Complete the screener on our Participate page and we will be in touch.
United States
AFFIRM is currently offered through site-specific locations in the United States, such as the Hugh Wellness Foundation in Pittsburgh. AFFIRM is a founding organization of The National SOGIE Center and our program delivery is through the Center of Excellence.
Internationally
AFFIRM is being adapted and trialled for application in Mexico, Hong Kong, and Denmark. Currently, these locations are site-specific and not open for public registration.
“I wish I had the chance of being in a group like AFFIRM when I was younger. I think it would’ve been very valuable to have this structured way of building skills, but also identifying some of the ways that my negative thinking could impede my own accomplishment of goals. That itself is very empowering. And also being around other people who share similar characteristics with me is very powerful.”
— Past facilitator
Evaluation and ethics
Previous research had described the systematic development of AFFIRM including: (1) clinical case studies, (2) community-based participatory research to inform the proposed AFFIRM model, (3) incorporation of participant feedback into an affirmative and developmentally relevant intervention framework described in a “living” adapted manual.
An Open-Pilot Feasibility Study found AFFIRM significantly reduced depression and appraising stress as a threat, as well as significantly increased reflective coping and perceiving stress as a challenge. Participants found the intervention to be valuable and reported high levels of acceptability and skills acquisition. These promising findings suggest that AFFIRM has potential effectiveness as a community-based intervention for LGBTTQQ2SA* youth and adults. Research continues to shed light on and emphasize the value of the AFFIRM model. See our research...
As a research project based out of University of Toronto, AFFIRM has received, and continues to update, its ethics approval. See our ethics approval…