This presentation will provide an overview of the relationship between social media use and mental health among LGBTQ+ youth and offer a balanced perspective toward risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, Dr. Biernesser will describe her work toward the development and testing of a novel digital suicide prevention intervention, named Flourish, designed for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing online victimization (online bullying, harassment, and discrimination). The presentation will combine science-backed information for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention with practical strategies brought from the lived experience of LGBTQ+ youth and those in their support systems.
Dr. Biernesser is a behavioral health scientist and licensed clinical social worker, currently appointed as Assistant Professor and Director of Digital Interventions within the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research interests rest in three areas: adolescent suicide prevention, the study of social media experiences, and the development and testing of digital interventions. She examines ways to understand and mitigate the impact of negative social media experiences, particularly focusing on online victimization given its linkage to suicide risk among youth. She is passionate about developing digital interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents from underserved and minoritized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color. She and her team have been integral to the development, testing, and implementation of a range of digital tools from smartphone apps, texting programs, chatbots, and more through funding received from the National Institute of Mental Health and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The more we understand about suicide, the more we can prevent it. AFSP-funded research is essential to our mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Our research funding goes toward studies from neurobiological, psychosocial, and genetic perspectives, as well as topics including clinical treatment, community intervention, and survivors of suicide loss. Our grants help sponsor young investigators, engage senior researchers in suicide prevention, and foster new ideas from suicide researchers at all levels to build a scientific community.
We believe it is important to share our findings to increase public knowledge and awareness. Join us for an AFSP Research Connection Program, where you will have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with a researcher about their work and about suicide prevention.