Assessing the Fidelity of an Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention

PURPOSE: Support implementation fidelity in intervention research with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) populations, this study explores the systematic development of a fidelity process for AFFIRM, an evidence-based, affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy group intervention for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. METHOD: As part of a clinical trial, the AFFIRM fidelity checklist was designed to assess clinician adherence. A total of 151 audio-recorded group sessions were coded by four trained raters. RESULTS: Adherence was high with a mean fidelity score of 84.13 (SD = 12.50). Inter-rater reliability was 81%, suggesting substantial agreement. Qualitative thematic analysis of low-rated sessions identified deviations from the manual and difficulties in group facilitation, while high-rated sessions specified affirmative and effective clinical responses. DISCUSSION: Findings were integrated into clinical training and coaching. The fidelity process provides insights into the challenges of implementing social work interventions effectively with LGBTQ+ populations in community settings.