The engagement of LGBTI+ youth in the identification of protective factors that promote wellbeing: Maximising youth influence on research, policy and practice

This PhD thesis is comprised of seven publications, and is presented as an ‘Alternative Thesis Format’ (by publication). This approach was chosen to allow more rapid dissemination of the programme of research on LGBTI+ youth wellbeing - a field where research gaps remain pervasive. It is aligned to the Irish LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy, and seeks to address identified knowledge gaps. Using a transformative, participatory mixed-methods research (MMR) methodology, it is underpinned by Recognition Theory. There are three interconnected study arms: policy analyses; a mixed-methods scoping review; and twinned quantitative and qualitative analyses of Growing Up in Ireland, the national longitudinal study of children and young people. All three arms are embedded within Public Patient Involvement (PPI), through the LGBTI+ YuPP:) Project which convened young people’s panels to garner youth perspectives and priorities on wellbeing. YuPP:) Panel members held multiple roles as: an advisory group; participants in online consultations; and in co-producing and co-authoring research.