The purpose of this study is to (a) identify whether there are meaningful subgroups of families with distinct post-adoption needs and (b) determine which parent, youth, and adoption characteristics are associated with these collections of needs. Using data from the Modern Adoptive Families study, authors conducted a three-step latent class analysis with a sample of 1,414 families who rated the importance of 16 areas of parent education and support, based on their current level of need. A five-class solution best fit the data. Descriptively, the classes reflect families with low needs, families with needs related to adoption adjustment, families with adoption-specific needs, families wanting support specific to their youths’ special needs, and families with needs that are both adoption-specific and related to youth special needs. Results from the multinomial logistic regression model found class membership differences based on parent, youth, and adoption characteristics. These classes may help adoption professionals to recognize the types of post-adoption services different families may need and to develop targeted interventions for specific types of families.
Abstract. We examined the unique associations among discrimination, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and depressive symptoms in a sample of sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth as well as interpersonal mediators of these associations. Participants included 94 SGM youth ( Mage = 18; SD = 2.88) recruited from SGM-specific drop-in centers. We used mediation analyses to test the mediating effects of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness on the associations between discrimination and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and depressive symptoms, accounting for childhood trauma and sociodemographic variables (age, gender identity, race, and sexual orientation). Within our nonclinical community sample of SGM youth, 49% reported a lifetime suicide attempt, 84% reported current suicide ideation, and 82% reported current depressive symptoms. Experiencing discrimination was associated with greater likelihood of suicide attempts and depressive symptoms, and greater perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, over and above the effects of childhood trauma and sociodemographic variables. Discrimination was indirectly associated with greater depressive symptoms through perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, and with greater severity of suicidal ideation through perceived burdensomeness. Findings suggest clinicians should assess for discrimination and include a focus on perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness as targets of intervention for suicide and depression.
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