Project 458842

With racial and homophobic bullying still being prevalent in schools, minority students are at risk of experiencing higher odds of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Although sexual minority youth of colour have been understudied, this is particularly true for this highly marginalized group who may experience multiple types of identity-based bullying such as both racial and homophobic bullying (Murphy & Hardaway, 2017). Fortunately, the benefits of self-compassion on the mental-health are well-established. The current study will examine the effectiveness of a self-compassion intervention in the hope of reducing the deleterious effects of identity-based bullying (e.g., racial and homophobic bullying) on mental health in a sample of 200 adolescents across high schools in Quebec. The study will shed light on the effects of their day-to-day experience with discrimination and the unique challenges they confront due to the interacting systems of oppression (i.e., racism and homophobia). Utilizing an intersectionality approach, this study aims to implement an intervention program that will promote social-emotional well-being and reduce the harmful effects of identity-based bullying among Canadian students. Thus, this research will produce knowledge that promotes action regarding the factors contributing to the mental health disparities among marginalized youth in schools. More broadly, this research is of crucial value to reduce health inequities and bring about positive social change. The findings will be used to inform health research, policy, and practice.