title: A theory-based computer mediated communication intervention to promote mental health and reduce high-risk behaviors in the LGBT population.
abstract: The Healthy People 2020 (2012) report has identified that isolation, lack of social services, and a shortage of culturally competent providers serve as barriers to the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals who have HIV/AIDS. Self-transcendence theory proposes that individuals who face increased vulnerability or mortality may acquire an increased capacity for self-transcendence and its positive influence on mental health and well-being. The use of technology-enabled social and community support and group interventions through computer mediated self-help (CMSH) with LGBT individuals may help meet mental health needs of this group, and support healthy lifestyle practices. This article presents an overview of steps taken to propose a theory-based CMSH intervention for testing in research and eventual application in practice.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA. Electronic address: Jean.dinapoli@mountsinai.org.
authors.forename: Jean Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: DiNapoli
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10128, USA. Electronic address: Maryjoy.dia@mountsinai.org.
authors.forename: Mary Joy
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Garcia-Dia
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1495, New York, NY 10029, USA. Electronic address: Leila.Garcia-Ona@mountsinai.org.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Garcia-Ona
authors.affiliation: Lenox Hill Hospital, NY 10075, USA. Electronic address: DOFlaherty1@nshs.edu.
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Flaherty
authors.affiliation: Lenox Hill Hospital, NY 10075, USA. Electronic address: JSiller@nshs.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siller
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Computer mediated communication; Healthy sexual behaviors; LGBT; Self-transcendence