Peer Online Motivational Interviewing for Sexual and Gender Minority Male Survivors

Peer Online Motivational Interviewing for Sexual and Gender Minority Male Survivors

The study will conduct a randomized comparative effectiveness trial of peer-facilitated, online, 6-week group Motivational Interviewing (MI) vs. Motivational Interviewing (MI) with a trauma-informed Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) affirmative care approach.

Through workshops and ongoing supervision/consultation, researchers will train MaleSurvivor peer leaders to competently deliver both versions of MI and conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the two versions of MI to enhance treatment engagement in SGM male survivors with mental health problems. All SGM male survivors who meet inclusion criteria, including significant emotional distress, will complete pre-test measures and be randomized to 6-week MI delivered by peers in online groups or 6-week MI with trauma-informed, SGM affirmative care delivered by peers in online groups. Randomization will be counterbalanced by treatment status: treatment naive versus treatment-experienced (prior treatment but not within the past 60 days).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• English-speaking; men who have sex with men or individuals identifying as SGM males
• Individuals who report a history of sexual abuse and individuals who self-report a minimum cut-off score of 3.0 or higher on emotional distress, using a 4-question symptom inventory.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who endorse active psychosis
• Individuals who have a cognitive dysfunction
• SGM men who report that they are currently in formal mental health counseling