Lessons Learned from Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

In a previous article, we reviewed the major tenets and goals of community-based participatory research (CBPR). In this article, we\u27ll explain the lessons we learned from our PCORI-funded project, titled Facilitating Male Trauma Survivors\u27 Meaningful Involvement in Research

Empirical and Qualitative Data on Training Men with Lived ‎Experience of Sexual Abuse to Deliver Motivational ‎Interviewing

This presentation provides a description of training male sexual abuse survivors to deliver Motivational Interviewing (MI) online to sexual and gender minority men with sexual trauma histories. All peers were recruited via two national non-profit organizations that support male survivors of sexual abuse. Twenty peer leaders were trained in person in May 2019 and 15 were trained online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. Of the 35 peers recruited, 32 completed baseline data. All 32 endorsed the following reasons for becoming a peer: to assist others in their recovery, to build skills and gain experience, to make a positive contribution, to master new skills, and to help others realize their potential and as someone not defined by their abuse. At the end of their respective trainings, peers rated their knowledge of and beliefs about MI. There were no significant differences between cohorts, suggesting no issues in training delivery method. There were significant differences from pre- to post-training on MI beliefs, suggesting that training positively influenced feasibility and acceptance of MI. Of the original 35, 24 peers completed all training sessions and participated by running at least one 6-week group. Lessons learned and subsequent implications in providing training will be discussed

Community-Based Participatory Research

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a systematic way of approaching research endeavors with members of typically underserved communities (Danley & Ellison, 1997; Israel et al., 2004). The inherently collaborative approach is designed to foster co-learning, that is, a bi-directional process of learning in which researchers and community members work together to understand the unique needs and disparities of the particular population. As opposed to traditional research which is often researcher-initiated and hierarchically developed and conducted, a CBPR framework means that researchers are working in tandem with the members of the particular population themselves to initiate, develop, and carry out all aspects of the research process

A Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Two Versions of Peer-‎Delivered Motivational Interviewing in Sexual and Gender ‎Minority Male Sexual Abuse Survivors

One in six men are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, and this number rises to one in four men who are sexually abused across their lifespan. Rates of sexual abuse and assault are even higher in sexual and gender minority masculine-identifying (SGM) individuals as are their rates of subsequent mental health disorders. Increasing SGM sexual abuse survivors\u27 formal entry into mental health services may address an important health disparity by alleviating psychiatric distress and increasing quality of life. Our research team tailored an evidence-based psychological treatment, motivational interviewing (MI) with trauma-informed, SGM affirmative care to encourage formal engagement in mental health treatment. In June 2021, we will finish a randomized controlled trial (n=344) to determine the comparative effectiveness of MI versus MI with trauma-informed sexual minority affirmative care delivered by peers in online groups. A total of 1,499 individuals completed the online screen. Of those, 601 participated in a more in-depth subsequent phone screen. Of those, 325 completed the baseline surveys, and 278 were randomized to one of two conditions. Data on primary (i.e., depression and engagement in formal mental health services) and secondary (posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, quality of life) outcomes will be presented

Perceived Helpfulness and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment: A Study of Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

At least 1 in 4 men are sexually abused or assaulted across their lifetime. Although many have significant negative mental health (MH) difficulties, relatively few seek formal MH treatment. This study sought to understand current engagement in and perceived helpfulness of MH treatment in male survivors. Eighty-eight men completed an online survey via a nonprofit organization’s website dedicated to providing support to male survivors. Men who reported that they received MH treatment in the past 90 days endorsed significantly higher adverse childhood experiences, as well as depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, compared with those who had not. Male survivors identified peer support, individual therapy and validation, and specific interventions as most helpful aspects of treatment. The least helpful aspects were therapists’ lack of knowledgeable about male sexual abuse, unhelpful or shaming responses, and avoidance of traumatic material, as well as financial and insurance constraints. Implications for fostering a more supportive, destigmatizing therapeutic environment for male survivors are discussed

Working with Sexual and Gender Minority Male Sexual ‎Abuse Survivors: Training Peers, Mental Health Treatment ‎Trial, and Preferences for Next Steps

This presentation explores the mental health treatment needs and preferences of masculine-identifying sexual abuse survivors. Using qualitative interviews, 60 study participants were asked about their experiences with and preferences for psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, in-person versus telehealth, group or individual format, and delivery by a peer versus a licensed professional. Many participants reported never having engaged in formal mental health treatment in the past. Several reported considering counseling but did not follow through. Barriers to treatment engagement, as identified by participants, will be presented including experiences of discrimination, difficulty accessing care (i.e., unsure how to find a provider, insurance and other financial challenges), or the therapy or therapist style was not a good fit. The perceived efficacy of treatment will also be discussed as well as the impact of medication side effects. Participants also shared the impact of the format (i.e., group versus individual, telehealth versus in-person), participant characteristics of the group (i.e., the inclusion of trans/non-binary participants with cisgender participants), and type (e.g., trauma informed versus skill building) of therapy being provided on their preference for peer versus professionally-delivered treatment

Study Design and Interventions for a Peer-Delivered Motivational Interviewing Group Treatment for Sexual and Gender Minority Male Sexual Trauma Survivors

Sexual abuse of boys and men is a public health problem that has received relatively little attention from clinical scholars and researchers. Given unique pathways for development of and recovery from trauma-related emotional distress, sexual abuse survivors who identify as men may require distinct psychosocial interventions to engage in formal mental health care and assist in symptom reduction. This paper describes the rationale for and methodology of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) versus MI with affirmative care (MI-AC) for sexual and gender minority men who have been sexually traumatized. This study is designed to randomly assign 356 participants to either condition of six online group sessions delivered by two trained peers with lived experience of sexual trauma. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment, 60- and 120-day follow-up. The primary hypotheses are that participants assigned to MI-AC, compared to those in MI only, will report reduced symptoms of depression and increased levels of engagement in formal mental health treatment. Additional hypotheses relate to secondary outcome variables, including post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality, and substance use