Abstracts Psychology

Barriers to group psychotherapy for lesbian, gay, andbisexual college students

by Sarah Peters

While research has been conducted into the utilization and efficacy of group therapy with college students and with individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB), there is very limited research on their intersection. The purpose of this study was to determine barriers to group psychotherapy with college students who identify as LGB. Twenty-eight LGB undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities nationwide were recruited to complete an online survey including: a modified version of the Barriers Scale (Harris, 2013), which examined willingness to participate in group therapy, expectations of group psychotherapy, expectations of group members, expectations of group leaders, and multicultural considerations relating to group psychotherapy; the Lesbian and Gay Identity Scale (Mohr & Fassinger, 2000); and three other measures related to another study (see Williams, 2015). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Kendall’s Tau correlations. Results of the study indicate that a lack of knowledge of the process and benefits of group psychotherapy is a barrier to participation, but lack of prior participation in individual psychotherapy and an absence of other LGB members in the group are not barriers. The results provide a foundation for future research as to how university counseling centers can provide services that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Advisors/Committee Members: Rando, Robert (Committee Chair).