Group Programming for Sexual and Gender Minority Middle School Students: An Exploratory Single-Case Design Study in a Rural School District

This exploratory single-case design study examines the impact of a group counseling program for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth in a rural middle school (<i>n</i> = 3). Mental well-being was monitored weekly across baseline and intervention phases using measures examining minority stress, psychological symptoms, stress appraisal, and coping. Reliable change index results indicate students experienced increases in mental well-being and decreases in identity-related stressors. Additionally, post-intervention social validity data indicated students found the intervention to be acceptable, felt they belonged, and could trust and be vulnerable in the intervention setting. Findings suggest schools may benefit from providing supportive programming for SGM youth while addressing systemic stressors affecting youth perceptions of school climate and belonging.