Dalhousie SHaG Lab
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Dalhousie SHaG Lab
@dalshaglab.bsky.social
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Educational Research Center
Dr. Matthew Numer’s Sexual Health and Gender research Lab @dalhealth

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Research has consistently shown that sexual violence is a problem among universities in the US and Canada.This research study examined the consent beliefs of undergraduate students enrolled in human sexuality courses in two midsized universities in the US and Canada.
January 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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To read the full open-access article, click the link in our bio! Citation: Dietzel, C., Bello, B., O'Shea, B., Cullum, J. & Numer, M. (2024). Old Bonds Never Break: A Scoping Review of Older LGBTQ+ Adults' Use of Online Technologies for Social Connections during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society. https://doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM
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Conclusions This scoping review highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of older LGBTQ+ adults in using technology to maintain social connections, despite facing various challenges. These findings underscore the importance of community support and resilience in overcoming the barriers to digital engagement. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting inclusive, accessible technologies could further enhance the well-being and social health of older LGBTQ+ adults.
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM
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Resiliency Despite challenges, studies showed that older LGBTQ+ adults demonstrated significant resilience during the pandemic. Many adapted to new technologies to maintain social support, which helped them cope with the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic. Past experiences with stigma, discrimination, and social isolation (e.g., during the HIV/AIDS crisis) made older LGBTQ+ people uniquely prepared to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM
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Challenges Older LGBTQ+ adults also faced several barriers to using technology, including poor internet access, outdated digital devices, and limited digital literacy. Some struggled with accessibility issues, such as inadequate captions on video calls, making communication difficult. This led to feelings of frustration with online spaces, with many older LGBTQ+ adults finding it less satisfying than in-person connections.
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM
dalshaglab.bsky.social
Benefits Findings from the included literature showed that digital technologies allowed older LGBTQ+ adults to expand their social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. LGBTQ+ people reported building and prioritizing their existing social networks, enhancing their digital capacities, and improving existing supports and accessibility to resources, which were now available online.
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM
dalshaglab.bsky.social
Study Purpose The purpose of this project is to examine how older LGBTQ+ adults develop and maintain friendships, relationships, and community and how these connections have been facilitated and/or challenged by online technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize and analyze available literature about how older LGBTQ+ adults used online technologies to maintain social connections during the pandemic.
November 25, 2024 at 6:09 PM