Publication Date
2015
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Daniela Linnebach Burnworth (Committee Member), Jennica Karpinski (Committee Member), Robert Rando (Committee Chair)
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
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.
Page Count
77
Department or Program
School of Professional Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2016
Copyright
Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
