Degree Date

12-2022

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology - Florida School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Christina Brown, Psy.D.

Second Advisor

Gary Howell Psy.D.

Abstract

This project examined the gap in the literature on LGB college students and social anxiety. The dearth of information around the prevalence and impact of social anxiety on the college population and the LGB population is important because social anxiety is known to be prevalent and chronic, affecting all areas of an individual’s life, but especially impacting the creation of social support networks and therefore access to social supports. Social support is one of the primary protective factors and promoters of resilience among all people, especially in marginalized communities like the LGBTQ community. Knowing that such a prevalent disorder is common among these populations and affects one of the main factors contributing to those individuals’ ability to adjust successfully and to their well-being, comes with the responsibility of better understanding that disorder, its impact on that population, and how to intervene to reduce assuage its negative effects. This project reviewed prevalence rates of social anxiety disorder (SAD) among the college student population and the LGB population to estimate the prevalence of SAD within the LGB college student population. This project also explored the risk factors of SAD for college students and LGB people to investigate the risk factors of SAD for LGB college students. Finally, this project reviewed protective factors and prevention strategies for SAD among LGB people to consider the clinical application for LGB college students, including therapeutic, social, and community interventions. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are included.

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