Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress relative to non-SGM peers. Digitally-administered mental health interventions show potential for reducing mental health distress in the general population. However, limited reporting of SGM demographics and adherence to online interventions constrain uptake and effectiveness. The present study explored the effect of an existing evidence-informed, self-guided, online-based mental health intervention, StriveWeekly, on internalizing symptoms among SGM university students. The sample consisted of 160 SGM university students, identifying as female, women, or feminine (63.1%), bisexual (36.10%), and Non-Hispanic (77.5%). Cluster randomization was employed on the basis of university housing to administer the intervention in a grouplevel format. Primary analyses included a mixed multivariate analysis of variance to compare anxiety, depression, and stress severity between groups and over time. Social belongingness was additionally explored as a mechanism through which psychological outcomes emerge. Participation in StriveWeekly did not significantly impact anxiety, depression, and stress scores among SGM university students relative to the waitlist control, ps > .05. However, self-reported stress decreased significantly over time across treatment groups, p = .005. Furthermore, social belongingness did not mediate the relationship between StriveWeekly engagement and changes in psychological

functioning, ps > .0125. This study aids in bridging gaps on digitally-administered interventions and supporting the optimization of mental health care for SGM young adults. Collaborating with community partners is encouraged to identify the unique concerns affecting SGM communities and inform future program adaptations that best align with needs.

Keywords: sexual minority, gender minority, cognitive behavioral therapy, emerging adults, depression, anxiety, stress

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Maya Boustani

Second Advisor

Alex Dubov

Third Advisor

Holly E. R. Morrell

Fourth Advisor

Bridgette J. Peteet

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2026

Date (Title Page)

6-2026

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Sexual minorities—Mental health; Gender minorities—Mental health; Sexual minority college students—Mental health; Internet in psychotherapy; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Stress management for college students; Anxiety in young adults—Prevention; Depression in young adults—Prevention; Belonging (Social psychology)

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

x, 105 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS